With the recent personnel transitions in Academic Affairs, I am pleased to announce two important appointments, effective July 1, 2026.
Amanda Datnow will serve as the Interim Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (SAVC-AA) for the 2026-27 academic year. As the Interim SAVC-AA, Datnow will support the priorities of Academic Affairs and be responsible for managing academic personnel processes, including oversight of Academic Personnel Services, program review, and supporting the infrastructure of the research and teaching mission of Academic Affairs and the University. She will also serve as the Dean Designee for the Design Lab and Qualcomm Institute.
Datnow is Professor and Chancellor’s Associates Endowed Chair in the Department of Education Studies, was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and served as Associate Dean of the School of Social Sciences for the past 13 years.
I am also pleased to announce that Stacey Brydges will serve as Interim Dean of the Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE). She will serve in this role until a permanent DUE Dean is appointed; the DUE Dean search will proceed in the fall.
In this role, Brydges will be responsible for providing academic leadership in the development, enhancement and delivery of undergraduate academic programs, including interdisciplinary programs across colleges, divisions, schools, and disciplines. As interim dean, she will also promote curriculum innovation and reform and strengthen academic support services for undergraduate students. Additionally, Brydges will serve on key committees and workgroups at the campus, system-wide and national levels.
Professor Brydges is well prepared for the interim dean role. In addition to serving as Acting Associate Dean, she has devoted more than two decades to advancing access, engagement and persistence in the sciences and higher education. She has previously served as Vice Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty Equity Advisor for the School of Physical Sciences, Chair of the UC San Diego Academic Senate Undergraduate Council, and is a past recipient of the UC San Diego Academic Senate Distinguished Teaching Award.
Please join me in congratulating Amanda and Stacey on their appointments and thank them for their continued service to UC San Diego.
