University of Southern California Iovine and Young Academy, Dean

Anijo Matthew, PhD

We are pleased to announce the completion of our search for the dean of the Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy at University of Southern California (USC). From a strong pool of candidates, USC has selected Anijo Mathew to fill this important position.

Anijo Mathew brings over 20 years of experience, most recently serving as dean of the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology. A professor of entrepreneurship and urban technology, Mathew has been a member of the Institute of Design faculty since 2008 and dean since 2022. As dean, he has led efforts to modernize the institute’s curriculum around emerging technologies, expanded educational opportunities for students and mid-career professionals, and tripled sponsored research funding for faculty. Mathew’s career spans design, innovation, entrepreneurship, and higher education with a global background. 

Trained as an architect, Mathew co-founded one of the first digital design firms in Mumbai. Captivated by the fusion of design and emerging digital technologies, Mathew went on to earn a Master in Design Studies degree from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and a PhD in Design Computing from The Open University in the United Kingdom. 

Courtney Wilk-Mandel led this search with Aku Ammah-Tagoe, Cara Meyers, and Lauren Wilkes.