Dr Sam Mejias appointed Provost of London College of Communication and Executive Dean for Impact and Innovation

UAL is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Sam Mejias as Provost of London College of Communication and Executive Dean for Impact and Innovation, taking up the post in September 2026.

Dr Mejias is currently Dean of the School of Art, Media and Technology at Parsons School of Design in New York City, where he oversees 12 programmes encompassing 1,700 students in areas including illustration, fine arts, photography, printmaking, communication design, data visualisation, media, and design and technology. Sam is also Associate Professor of Social Justice and Community Engagement in the School of Design Strategies at Parsons.

Karen Stanton, UAL Vice-Chancellor, said:

"I am delighted to be able to announce the appointment of Dr Sam Mejias as Provost of London College of Communication and Executive Dean for Impact and Innovation, following a competitive external recruitment process. Sam brings a deep understanding of teaching, research and knowledge exchange that spans the College’s portfolio; has a strong background and passion for working within local communities and on the global stage; and brings with him strong experience that will be invaluable for our Impact and Innovation strategic pillar.

I am confident that Sam will provide a strategic and visionary direction for the College at this important and exciting time as we approach the move to the new London College of Communication building in September 2027, whilst building on the expertise that already exists within the College Executive Board and broader College community.  I also look forward to his contribution to the important role of Executive Dean for Impact and Innovation, a key pillar of our 2032 strategy — where we will look to lead innovation in creative education through strategic alliances, emerging technologies, and impactful research and knowledge exchange."

Dr Sam Mejias said:

"I am honoured to join UAL and LCC at an auspicious and exciting moment. I look forward to the opportunity to work closely with university and college colleagues and community partners in Elephant and Castle and Southwark to support the development of current and future generations of creative arts, design, media and screen professionals from London, the UK, and around the world."

A transdisciplinary teacher and scholar, researcher, multi-instrumentalist and sound designer, Sam's research focuses on young people, the arts, and learning, and on social justice and civic engagement in design, discourse, and communication practices.

Sam has collaborated on projects exploring how arts and science and technology-led transdisciplinary practices can support equitable youth learning outcomes, and how community-based arts programmes influence young people’s life and career trajectories. He has also helped to develop, lead and embed EDI initiatives and training at Parsons School of Design.

Sam holds an MA in International Educational Development from Columbia University Teachers College, and a PhD in Human Rights Education from University College London. Prior to joining Parsons, Sam was a Research Fellow at London School of Economics and Political Science. He has also held roles at Amnesty International, UCL and the BBC's international charity, BBC Media Action.

Steve Cross, Dean of Media at London College of Communication, will serve as Interim Provost of London College of Communication until Sam joins UAL in September 2026.