Anijo Mathew has been appointed dean of the University of Southern California’s Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy, effective August 1, 2023, bringing a wealth of experience in design and innovation.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Anijo Mathew has officially taken the helm as dean of the University of Southern California’s (USC) Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy, beginning his tenure on August 1, 2023.
Mathew joins USC after serving as dean at the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, a position he held since 2022. He has been a professor there since 2008, contributing significantly to the field of design education.
The Iovine and Young Academy, established in 2013 through a generous donation from music industry icons Jimmy Iovine and Andre “Dr. Dre” Young, is dedicated to integrating technology, design, and business. The academy offers both undergraduate and graduate programs that emphasize innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.
Students and faculty at the academy engage in project-based learning, allowing them to tackle complex challenges and often leading to the launch of startups before graduation.
For Mathew, the role presents a unique opportunity to influence the direction of one of USC’s newest professional schools. “With IYA, I have the opportunity to create a new legacy, because IYA is in its tweens,” he remarked. “It’s an incredible opportunity to reimagine what the path forward looks like.”
Born in Kottayam, India, Mathew spent his early years in Muscat, Oman, before returning to India at age 14. He began his career as an architect and co-founded one of Mumbai’s pioneering digital design firms. Mathew later pursued advanced studies, earning a Master in Design Studies from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and a doctorate in Design Computing from The Open University in the United Kingdom.
His research interests have centered on design-led corporate innovation and technology-driven urban experiences. In 2015, he founded Vamonde, a Chicago-based startup that utilized augmented and virtual reality to craft digital storytelling experiences for cities globally.
From 2019 to 2021, Mathew was the head of the Department of Art and Design at the College of Architecture, Art and Design at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. He has also lectured at prestigious institutions, including Harvard Business School, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and Illinois Tech’s Stuart School of Business.
As he steps into his new role, Mathew faces the challenge of preparing students for a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by advancements in artificial intelligence, extended reality, and robotics.
“We are at the cusp of this incredible transformation, and we need to train our students to be prepared for that time,” Mathew stated, emphasizing the importance of equipping the next generation with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
Mathew’s appointment signals a commitment to innovation and excellence at USC, as the Iovine and Young Academy continues to foster creativity and entrepreneurial spirit among its students.
According to India-West, Mathew’s leadership is expected to enhance the academy’s mission and impact in the fields of design and technology.