Celebrating Professor Velasco's tenure as Dean
Last month, the LSE community and guests came together to celebrate the achievements of Professor Andrés Velasco, the inaugural Dean of the LSE School of Public Policy (SPP), as he prepared to conclude his tenure as Dean at the end of the academic year.
Since launching SPP in 2018, Professor Velasco has led a period of significant growth and achievement. Under his leadership, the School expanded its portfolio from three to eight degree programmes, developed new double degree partnerships with international universities, introduced additional scholarship opportunities for students, recruited leading faculty members, and developed a vibrant student and alumni community. Today, SPP welcomes approximately 450 students from more than 60 nationalities each year.
Professor Larry Kramer, President and Vice Chancellor of LSE, praised Professor Velasco's extraordinary accomplishments in establishing and building the School of Public Policy. He highlighted Professor Velasco's passion, commitment and generosity, and recognised his lasting legacy in creating "the strong and deep foundation on which we can build the next chapter" for SPP.
Professor Julia Black reflected on her time as Interim Director at LSE and the early stages of developing the SPP. She emphasised the challenges involved in launching a new academic school and spoke of her delight in finding the ideal candidate in Professor Velasco to lead SPP's launch and development at LSE.
Throughout the celebration, speakers, colleagues and friends praised Professor Velasco for his generosity, kindness, boldness, commitment to excellence, collegiality and, above all, his dedication to SPP students.
Professor Velasco will complete his term as Dean on 31 August 2026. Following a sabbatical, he will return to SPP as a member of the faculty in January 2027.
We are also delighted to celebrate the appointment of Dr Anne-Marie Slaughter as the next Dean of the LSE School of Public Policy. We look forward to welcoming her to LSE in January 2027 as she prepares to lead SPP through its next chapter. Dr Slaughter will assume full responsibility as Dean in February 2027. Professor Tony Travers will serve as Interim Dean from September 2026 until her arrival.
