Patricia O’Brien, former dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, is now Executive Dean of the UCLA College.
Dean O’Brien led the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences for nearly five years. She collaborated closely with other UCR deans, which enabled the development of new inter-disciplinary programs such as the digital media initiative and the Center for Sustainable Suburban Development.
She also enhanced existing distinguished programs, including the Center for Ideas and Society and the Gluck Fellows program. Under her leadership new initiatives in her college, like the Center for California Native Nations and a program in Southeast Asian Studies, were developed.