UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Associate Vice President for Auxiliary and Business Services (A&BS) John Papazoglou will be leaving Penn State to pursue a new opportunity at Syracuse University as chief operations officer beginning Feb. 1. A national search for his replacement will commence soon.
Papazoglou was named AVP for A&BS in July 2017, and has spent the past five years with Penn State directing the overall vision and direction of A&BS, and supporting eight non-academic support units with a $392 million annual budget.
During his time with the University, Papazoglou was instrumental in the enhancement of students’ experiences through areas such as technology, dining programs, and the continuation of a 12-year, nearly $804 million residence hall renovation plan. Under his oversight, A&BS stood up and maintained quarantine and isolation operations at 11 campuses through the pandemic; consolidated catering units for more effective operations; implemented cost-containment efforts throughout and following COVID to alleviate financial impacts; and improved safety for employees, resulting in a 46% reduction in OSHA-recordable injuries. Papazoglou also was co-lead for former President Eric Barron’s Task Force on Food and Housing Security, which worked to increase awareness of, and support and options for, students experiencing food or housing needs.
“John has been an important and instrumental member of the University leadership team and has accomplished much in the time he’s been here, including managing budget- and pandemic-related challenges,” said Sara Thorndike, senior vice president for Finance & Business. “He will be missed, but I am excited for him to take on this new role.”
In addition to his duties overseeing A&BS, Papazoglou was responsible for the id+ Office at Penn State and served as a primary liaison for the Penn State Bookstore contract with Barnes & Noble, and the University’s pouring rights contract with Pepsi.
Before coming to Penn State, Papazoglou had 25 years of experience in hospitality operations and had worked in industries such as health care, restaurants and airline catering.
In his new position at Syracuse University, Papazoglou will be responsible for multiple on- and off-campus operations, including dining, housing, hospitality and food services.