UC Santa Barbara has welcomed a new dean for the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management. Elena Irwin will assume responsibility starting Sept. 21.

Irwin’s research mainly addresses the sustainability of human-natural systems, such as examining land usage locally and in the wider region. Photo courtesy of The Current

The previous dean, Steve Gaines, served for 15 years before stepping down in July 2025. Former Chancellor Henry T. Yang highlighted “[Gaines’] outstanding leadership as Dean, and his continuing contributions as our faculty colleague” in an email message. The vacancy was initially filled by Interim Dean Sarah Anderson, who was praised by Chancellor Dennis Assanis “for her dedication, service, and leadership over the past year.”

Now, this position will be filled indefinitely by Irwin, current Distinguished University Professor and faculty director of the Sustainability Institute at Ohio State University (OSU). Irwin has had a lengthy career that the search advisory committee believe has prepared her to take on this role.

“[Irwin] has secured more than $30 million in externally funded research, published extensively, mentored postdoctoral scholars and doctoral students, and led interdisciplinary research teams throughout her career,” Assanis stated in an email to the community.

In addition to these accomplishments, Irwin has held many leadership positions. While  at OSU, she launched the university-wide Sustainability Institute in 2019, which focused on strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, Irwin was an advisory member of the chartered Science Advisory Board, served as a member of the Environmental Justice Science and Analysis Review Panel and is nationally leading as president-elect of the National Sustainability Society.

Due to Irwin’s experience working in numerous environments with different colleagues, Assanis expressed optimism about the future of the Bren School under her leadership.

Irwin’s research mainly addresses the sustainability of human-natural systems, such as examining land usage locally and in the wider region.

“We are confident that she will work with her colleagues at Bren and throughout the campus to develop an ambitious vision building on campus strengths and priorities,” Assanis said.