New SFTV Dean Announced
Dear LMU Community,
I am pleased to announce that academic and filmmaker Stephen Ujlaki
has been named dean of the School of Film and Television. He will join
the university on July 1.
Professor Ujlaki is currently chair of the Cinema Department at San
Francisco State University, a position that he has held for eight years.
During that time, he developed several initiatives that strengthened
the department’s ties to the film industry. Those include the creation
of the DOC Film Institute, which sponsors documentary film festivals and
honors leading producers in the field, and an internship program for
film students throughout the California State University system. He also
built a visiting fellows program that brought professionals and artists
into the classroom, and an advisory council of industry professionals.
Outside of his work at SFSU, Professor Ujlaki has had a long career
in Hollywood, producing numerous feature films and HBO movies. His
credits include “The Cry of the Owl” starring Julia Stiles, “Loch Ness”
with Ted Danson, “The Hot Spot” starring Don Johnson, and “Hostile
Intent” with Rob Lowe.
From 1988-91, he was the head of European Feature and Television
Production for Stone Group France, a production company started by
Michael Douglas. Prior to that, he was the vice president of development
and production for HBO Pictures.
He earned his bachelor of arts from Harvard University and a master
of fine arts in directing from the Institut des Hautes Etudes
Cinematographiques in Paris. In addition to SFSU, he has also taught at
the American Film Institute and established the film department at
Franconia College in New Hampshire.
Professor Ujlaki was chosen from among many candidates after a
yearlong, nationwide search. His talent, enthusiasm, and record of
success impressed our search committee, and I know that he will be an
excellent addition to the academic leadership at LMU.
I also want to recognize Professor Stephen Duncan for his valuable
service as interim dean of SFTV for the past nine months. During his
tenure, Professor Duncan raised industry awareness of the school’s
strong television production program and broadened SFTV’s fundraising
efforts. Please join me in thanking him for his contributions and
dedication.
Sincerely,
David W. Burcham
Interim President