As we look ahead to what is next for UCLA and for UCLA Administration, I want to take a moment to recognize two significant leadership transitions that mark both an ending and a beginning for our organization.
Tony Lucas, who retired as director of Events & Transportation in December, advanced a wide range of strategic, operational, and equity-focused priorities during his tenure. His leadership team developed multi-year parking structure assessments that are informing future major maintenance and capital strategies aligned with the Debt Capacity Model, and secured a nearly $20 million Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program grant to support fleet electrification and infrastructure improvements. He expanded student access through the continued growth of the UPass and grad pass programs and led cross-unit initiatives, including a pilot of space-occupancy sensors, ongoing campus wayfinding efforts and service planning for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Under Tony’s guidance, UCLA maintained national recognition for sustainable and active
transportation, and he was a steady presence in the Emergency Operations Center during campus protests and emergencies, modeling values-centered decision-making and strong support for staff. He also successfully integrated the Central Ticket Office into E&T, strengthening administrative alignment and improving service for campus partners. Throughout his time at UCLA, Tony invested deeply in people and culture, emphasizing development, mentoring and communication grounded in True Bruin Values.
In Housing & Hospitality, Associate Vice Chancellor Pete Angelis recently announced his intention to retire in June after nearly two decades leading transformative change. Pete’s tenure has been defined by a rare combination of business acumen, operational discipline and genuine care for students, faculty, staff and guests. When he began, UCLA housed approximately 9,500 students; today, Housing & Hospitality supports more than 25,000 residents annually and has grown to more than 2,600 employees. His leadership helped guide — and ultimately define — UCLA’s transformation into a fully residential campus.
Pete championed the 4‑2 housing guarantee, strengthened residential life programs, and elevated UCLA Dining into a nationally recognized, No. 1-ranked program. His vision shaped the development of the Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center, the evolution of UCLA Hospitality and the integration of the University Club. His steady leadership during the COVID‑19 pandemic ensured continuity of operations and meaningful support for students and the broader community.
As UCLA prepares to host the Olympic and Paralympic Village in 2028, the strength of the enterprise Pete built will take center stage — a testament to his strategic foresight and commitment to excellence.
While we will miss Pete and Tony’s leadership, their transitions remind us that change is a natural and healthy part of organizational life. They leave behind strong foundations, talented teams and a culture grounded in service, stewardship and care. National searches to fill both leadership roles, and we will be thoughtful as we move through that process. In the meantime, we will continue to support our teams through these transitions and ensure not just the continuity of operations, but the continuation of our common goal to create exceptional Bruin experiences.
Please join me in expressing our deep gratitude to Pete and Tony for their extraordinary service to UCLA. Their contributions have shaped the daily experience of thousands across our campus, and their impact will continue to influence our work for years to come.
