Meet the Dean

A heartfelt welcome to UCI Arts!

I am honored to serve as dean of a nationally regarded school of the arts named after a trailblazing woman in film, television and philanthropy. As the only University of California school of the arts encompassing art, dance, drama and music, UCI Arts is a creative engine for the university and a dynamic center of excellence for the region.

This year, we celebrate two milestone anniversaries: 60 years since the founding of UC Irvine and 25 years since the naming of the Claire Trevor School of the Arts. These are powerful reminders of how legacies are built through creativity, vision and community. Our work continues that legacy as we design the next chapter in the life of our school.

As an artist, scholar and first-generation Latina born and raised in Southern California, I understand firsthand the importance of access, mentorship and belonging. My leadership is rooted in the values of listening, collaboration and institutional dramaturgy—the practice of aligning purpose and impact with care and imagination.

UCI Arts is proud to be part of a campus nationally recognized for advancing social mobility and innovation, and to be a Hispanic-serving and minority-serving institution. Our school cultivates inclusive excellence and creative leadership by honoring difference and exploring the human experience through all artistic forms.

Two initiatives guide our current efforts: Arts &, which highlights the power of the arts in collaboration with other fields, and Art that transforms. Voices that matter., a phrase that reflects the heart of our mission and the work we champion every day. These efforts show how our students are empowered to use their vision and voice to shape the future—whether in studios and labs, on stages and in galleries, or through internships and community partnerships.

I invite you to join us as impact partners in this exciting journey. Whether attending one of our 200-plus performances and exhibitions each year or engaging with our student and faculty research, your presence fuels our shared momentum. Together, we are creating a brilliant future shaped by the arts and driven by purpose.

Warmly,
Tiffany Ana López, Ph.D.
Claire Trevor Dean of the Arts
Professor, Department of Drama

Learn more about Dean López through some of her various engagements below.

"Arts &" Campaign

At the Claire Trevor School of the Arts creativity and scholarly research intersect to push the boundaries of innovation and collaboration. For the 2024-25 academic year, we are excited to launch "Arts &," a unifying campaign that celebrates the symbiotic relationship between creative expression and research. This campaign showcases the depth of each of our four departments and their contributions to UC Irvine’s vibrant academic and creative community.

"Behind the Scenes with Dean López"

Follow CTSA on Instagram as we share Dean López's experiences in her new role as dean at CTSA. We are excited to share her experiences with students, faculty and staff through our new social media series, "Behind the Scenes with Dean López." #btswithdeanlopez

Latinx Theatre: Past, Present, Future

Dean Tiffany López moderated the UCI Illuminations panel discussion, "Latinx Theatre: Past, Present, Future," with celebrated icons Luis Valdez and Dr. Jorge Huerta, who delved into the rich history and vibrant future of Latinx theatre. The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session and a lively reception.

CONNECT: Made in California

Learn more through UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts' fall 2022 issue of CONNECT. Read how the arts and education helped new dean Tiffany Ana López reimagine her own life.

Dean López with Sara Guerrero on Directing "The Sweetheart Deal"

Dean's Interview: Sara Guerrero

Dean López sat down with guest director Sara Guerrero to talk about UCI Drama's production of The Sweetheart Deal, which ran April 29 through May 7, 2023, in the Robert Cohen Theatre.

Triumph Over Adversity Festival

Dean López joined the Triumph Over Adversity Festival Creator Roundtable at OCMA to talk about how to make impactful and relevant work within an arts institution today. Watch the recorded live-steam to hear insights from the intersection of creator and administrator as they discussed what it takes to find the balance of both roles.

UCI Podcast: The importance of the arts in higher education

Dean Tiffany López sits down with Tom Vasich for the UCI Podcast to share her views since joining CTSA in July, expressing what she has learned about the school, how she is developing a new vision for it, and much more.

Orange Coast Magazine

"'All Roads Lead to This One' - New dean of Claire Trevor School of the Arts at UC Irvine has spent her life battling to build pathways for herself and future students." Feature story for Orange Coast Magazine by Aliese Muhonen.

Freedom Writers Podcast

Erin Gruwell speaks with dramaturge, author, and the new dean of the Claire Trevor School of the Arts at UC Irvine, Dr. Tiffany López . They discuss Dr. López 's journey from being a first generation college student to becoming a leading voice in the fight for diversity and inclusion in higher education and the arts.

Biography

Dr. Tiffany Ana López is a visionary artist, administrator and proven champion for diversity, equity and inclusion. In her new role at UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts, Dean López intends to further the School’s mission by creating and building connections with the community by harnessing the strengths of the School to create clear throughlines and professional pathways for both student and faculty research.

Dean’s Excellence Fund

Contribute to the Dean’s Excellence Fund and support special opportunities for research and art production. This fund is unique in that it provides support for areas of the School with the greatest need, or toward special projects that arise.