UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jeff Adams has been named the interim vice provost and dean for Undergraduate Education, effective July 1. A search for a permanent replacement will begin later this year.
Adams comes to the interim role having previously served as associate vice president and senior associate dean for Undergraduate Education, a role he has held since 2018. He will replace Yvonne Gaudelius, who in April announced her plans to return to the faculty. In this role, Adams will play a critical part in fostering University-wide collaborations that increase student engagement, improve access to education for minoritized and marginalized students, and enhance the success of all undergraduate students at Penn State. During his time at Penn State, Adams has provided leadership on undergraduate curriculum and assessment, general education and teaching, and learning support and enhancement.
“I am grateful that we have an experienced leader and teacher in Dr. Adams, who is stepping into this role to lead the diverse units of Undergraduate Education and efforts to support undergraduates University-wide,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Justin Schwartz. “Dr. Adams will play a critical role in driving the collaboration and partnership that are instrumental in preparing Penn State undergraduate students for success in the classroom and in their careers.”
Undergraduate Education is an academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for 14 offices and programs, as well as leadership for the following intercollege programs: the Joint Service Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, the entrepreneurship and innovation minor, and the bachelor of philosophy degree. Undergraduate Education staff and leadership work closely with faculty and the University’s academic units to create stimulating learning environments in the classroom, provide for learning outside the classroom, and support the student-centered mission of Penn State.
“It is humbling to take on this role, and I am excited to continue working with my outstanding colleagues in Undergraduate Education, and to increased engagement with leadership across Penn State as we collectively enhance teaching and learning at Penn State and help prepare our students for lifelong success,” Adams said. “I look forward to continuing to advance Undergraduate Education’s critical work in support of student success and equity across the University.”
The vice provost and dean convenes the Administrative Council on Undergraduate Education, which is responsible for administrative matters that impact undergraduate education at Penn State. This advisory council consults with the University Faculty Senate and manages academic and administrative policies and procedures that support the University’s undergraduate education goals.
Prior to joining Penn State, Adams was the associate provost for academic administration at Millersville University of Pennsylvania from 2011 to 2018. Prior to that, he served as assistant vice provost for undergraduate education and associate professor of physics at Montana State University. Adams earned a doctorate in physics, a bachelor of science in engineering physics, and a bachelor of education in mathematics and physics from Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada.
Adams will continue reporting to Provost Schwartz but will take on the new title of interim vice provost and dean to reflect the alignment of leadership.
Learn more about Penn State Undergraduate Education at undergrad.psu.edu.