Sustainability Expert Becomes Dean of USC’s School of Public Policy

Chris Boone, a leader in sustainability and urban planning, has been appointed dean of the USC Price School of Public Policy. At his installation ceremony, Boone reflected on his family’s deep commitment to education, sharing how his grandmother, a hardworking seamstress, instilled in his father the expectation of attending college—an ambition that has now shaped multiple generations. He credited mentors and supporters who guided him throughout his career, emphasizing that success is built on collective encouragement and sacrifice. USC President Carol Folt praised Boone’s leadership, describing him as a forward-thinking academic with a passion for problem-solving and innovation.

Boone comes to USC after 18 years at Arizona State University, where he held multiple leadership roles, including dean of the School of Sustainability and founding dean of the College of Global Futures. A recognized expert in urban sustainability, environmental justice, and global environmental change, he has published extensively and secured more than $40 million in research funding. His previous academic positions at Georgetown and Yale, as well as his early teaching career at California State University, Los Angeles, make his return to Southern California a full-circle moment. Boone and his wife, Marcia Nation, recalled fond memories of visiting USC’s Doheny Library during their earlier years in the region.

Excited by USC Price’s focus on real-world impact, Boone sees the school as a leader in developing interdisciplinary solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. He also praised USC’s strong emphasis on sustainability, which has been a priority under President Folt’s leadership, including initiatives like Assignment: Earth. As he takes on this new role, Boone aims to build on the Price School’s legacy of public policy leadership, helping shape strategies that not only address current societal issues but also anticipate future needs.