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Video related to this article is available below.Issue date: 11/13/08 Section: News
Daniels played active role in Penn community
Colleagues say his midyear transition to become president of Johns Hopkins presents some challenges
Alyssa Schwenk
While colleagues aren't yet waving farewell to Provost Ron Daniels, who was elected president of Johns Hopkins University on Tuesday, they acknowledge that his eventual successor has large shoes to fill.
In just three years at Penn, Daniels has shown himself to be extremely active in the community and has made several subtle imprints on student life and academic curricula at Penn. Although no one expressed surprise that he would be given such an opportunity, the departure of such a high-profile figure will inevitably create challenges for the University.
"I think with leadership changes there's always … a sense of concern as to what direction the next person will take and whether this person will represent all the interests of the University," said Wharton Dean Thomas Robertson, who will lead the search committee for the next provost.
Daniels indeed helped set a direction for the University. As the chief academic officer, the provost provides a vital link between the deans, faculty, students and the president.
Daniels "has been a superb partner to me in advancing all of Penn's highest priorities," including core components of the Penn Compact, Penn President Amy Gutmann said.
Several initiatives have taken off with Daniels' help, including the development of undergraduate mentorship programs and the creation of new academic centers. He also worked to increase diversity at both the undergraduate and academic levels.
In particular, he has focused on interdisciplinary engagement, creating, promoting, and strengthening University initiatives at Penn, across the country and worldwide.
For instance, after Hurricane Katrina, Daniels took charge of Penn's efforts in the Gulf Coast area, Political Science professor Don Kettl said.
"What was most notable about the effort was the Provost's commitment to pulling out the University's intellectual capital to engage one of the most difficult policy dilemmas of our time," Kettl wrote in an e-mail. Daniels convened a conference of experts, which then published a book examining the various issues.
In just three years at Penn, Daniels has shown himself to be extremely active in the community and has made several subtle imprints on student life and academic curricula at Penn. Although no one expressed surprise that he would be given such an opportunity, the departure of such a high-profile figure will inevitably create challenges for the University.
"I think with leadership changes there's always … a sense of concern as to what direction the next person will take and whether this person will represent all the interests of the University," said Wharton Dean Thomas Robertson, who will lead the search committee for the next provost.
Daniels indeed helped set a direction for the University. As the chief academic officer, the provost provides a vital link between the deans, faculty, students and the president.
Daniels "has been a superb partner to me in advancing all of Penn's highest priorities," including core components of the Penn Compact, Penn President Amy Gutmann said.
Several initiatives have taken off with Daniels' help, including the development of undergraduate mentorship programs and the creation of new academic centers. He also worked to increase diversity at both the undergraduate and academic levels.
In particular, he has focused on interdisciplinary engagement, creating, promoting, and strengthening University initiatives at Penn, across the country and worldwide.
For instance, after Hurricane Katrina, Daniels took charge of Penn's efforts in the Gulf Coast area, Political Science professor Don Kettl said.
"What was most notable about the effort was the Provost's commitment to pulling out the University's intellectual capital to engage one of the most difficult policy dilemmas of our time," Kettl wrote in an e-mail. Daniels convened a conference of experts, which then published a book examining the various issues.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 4
No Impact?
posted 11/13/08 @ 3:24 AM EST
When the number two guy at a University bails, it's ridiculous to think that there will be no impact on the capital campaign. The Wharton Dean, the Dean of Admissions, and the Provost all bail in the space of a year and a half? If you were an investor, would you invest in a firm where three top executives went on to "greener pastures?" How does this not look bad for the University? Just wait, by the time the academic year is out, Gutmann will be packing her bags. (Continued…)
Steve Marmon
posted 11/13/08 @ 9:50 AM EST
There will be essentially NO impact on the campaign from Provost Daniels leaving Penn. In addition, the Dean of Admissions plays zero role in the campaign and Dean Robertson has been in his Wharton post for more than a year. (Continued…)
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