The Carsey-Wolf Center thanks outgoing Dick Wolf Director Patrice Petro

After nine years of service as the Dick Wolf Director of the Carsey-Wolf Center and Presidential Chair in Film and Media Studies, Professor Patrice Petro is stepping down from her position at the Center as of July 1, 2025, and returning to full-time teaching. The UCSB and Santa Barbara communities are grateful to Dr. Petro for her leadership in broadening the Center's work in research, teaching, and public programming around media.

Highlights of Patrice's tenure at the Center include the institution of the CWC Presents curated thematic feature series, our annual academic conference, and our Media Matters book series through Rutgers University Press. Over the course of her time at the Center, Petro moderated over forty events at the Pollock Theater. Especially memorable events include her recent discussion of Hedwig and the Angry Inch with writer/director/actor John Cameron Mitchell, her virtual discussion of The Queen's Gambit with series creator Scott Frank, her discussion of Drop Dead Gorgeous with actress Mindy Sterling, and her discussion of Tangerine with actress Mya Taylor.

Our sincere congratulations and thanks to Patrice Petro, and best wishes for a well-earned sabbatical.