UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – After a national search for an associate vice provost for Global Programs, Robert G. Crane, director of Strategic Initiatives within Global Programs at Penn State, has been named to the post.
“Rob is a tireless advocate for international education and a strong believer in the ideals of transforming Penn State into a truly global university,” said Michael Adewumi, vice provost for Global Programs. “Recommended by the search committee, Rob is an excellent choice, given his experience and close working knowledge and leadership roles in Global Programs over the years. His ability to take on projects and tasks that not only benefit our students and the University as a whole, but also benefit the nation and other countries is longstanding and proven.”
Crane has served the Office of Global Programs as director of the Global Engagement Network (GEN), interim director of Global Engagement, interim director of Global Relations and Promotions, and currently as director of Strategic Initiatives. Prior to that, Crane served as the associate dean for undergraduate education in Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) for 14 years, and also served as interim dean of EMS during the 2006-07 academic year.
“In addition to bringing extensive administrative experience to the position, Crane also has a keen understanding of the role that global initiatives and study abroad play in the education of students and in building global competency. He also understands the importance of attracting diverse international scholars and researchers to Penn State,” Adewumi said. As associate vice provost, Crane will provide leadership to Penn State’s rapidly developing GEN, the University’s growing joint centers for global collaborations around the world and strategic initiatives, among other efforts. Through GEN, Penn State is committed, along with peer institutions from around the globe, to solving the world’s most pressing challenges.
Crane joined the Penn State faculty in 1985. He is professor of geography with specific interests in climate science and climate change. Among other international education initiatives, he launched and provides leadership to one of Penn State’s flagship immersive study-abroad programs, Parks & People, a cooperative Penn State / African partnership that integrates teaching, research and service for the management of protected areas, economic development of communities and public education in natural resource management. From 2007 to 2015, he served as the director of AESEDA – Alliance for Education, Science, Engineering and Development in Africa, a coordinating body that promotes Penn State engagement in Africa to help build partnerships with African institutions to foster collaboration.
Crane holds a bachelor of arts degree from University of Reading, England, a master of arts degree and doctorate both from University of Colorado.
He begins his duties as associate vice provost on May 1.