Fotis Sotiropoulos Named Provost at Penn State University

Fotis Sotiropoulos, former Provost and SVP for Academic Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, will serve as Penn State University’s next EVP and Provost.

A world-renowned researcher in computational fluid dynamics, Sotiropoulos brings more than 35 years of experience in higher education as a professor, scholar and senior academic leader. Since joining VCU in 2021, he led a series of forward-looking initiatives aimed at preparing learners of all backgrounds for the future of work, advancing student and faculty success, championing excellence, and cultivating a culture of transdisciplinary innovation. His leadership approach has been rooted in empowering faculty and staff to surface bold ideas and develop pioneering solutions that position institutions for long-term success.

“I could not be more thrilled to welcome Fotis Sotiropoulos back to our Penn State community. Fotis is a forward-thinking leader and scientist who is prepared to help us deliver the highest value to students, create an environment that provides opportunities for growth and empowerment for all faculty and staff, and uphold and advance our university’s mission,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi.

Sotiropoulos, a Penn State alumnus, was selected following a national search led by an 18-member committee, co-chaired by Michael Wade Smith, senior vice president and chief of staff, and Marie Hardin, dean of the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, with assistance from the search firm WittKieffer.

“Arriving from Greece as a first-generation student, State College was my gateway to the United States and to the transformative power of a Penn State education,” Sotiropoulos said. “The opportunity to return to my alma mater — an institution that played such a pivotal role in my journey — is both an honor and a deeply meaningful homecoming.”

WittKieffer’s Suzanne Teer, Sandra Chu, and Cathryn Davis led this search.

Fotis Sotiropoulos Named Provost at Penn State University

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