Neeli Bendapudi to take office in May following President Barron’s retirement

Transitional period to begin in March leading up to May start

Penn State President-elect Neeli Bendapudi will take office in May following President Eric Barron’s retirement.  Credit: Patrick MansellAll Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State President-elect Neeli Bendapudi will officially begin her tenure as the University’s 19th president on May 9, following a presidential transitional period beginning in March.  

Bendapudi, who most recently served as president of the University of Louisville, was announced as the University’s next president in December during a special meeting of the Penn State Board of Trustees.  

“Penn State is a large, complex university, and this onboarding period will support a seamless transition by providing an opportunity for learning and listening,” said Board of Trustees Chair Matt Schuyler. “Both our current and future leaders are committed to this important time to provide continuity to our students, faculty and staff throughout this change and to enable Penn State’s future success.” 

Joining Bendapudi on campus will be Michael Wade Smith, former chief of staff and vice president for external affairs at the University of Louisville, who will serve in the role of senior vice president and chief of staff at Penn State beginning in March. 

Prior to the formal transition period, which will include a mix of both remote and on-site meetings, Bendapudi will meet with members of the President’s Council throughout the first quarter of the year for introductions to University units and critical initiatives. She also will meet with President Barron during the transition prior to his retirement on May 8.  

“I look forward to working with Dr. Bendapudi and appreciate her enthusiasm and initiative to meet our community as she prepares to transition into this leadership role,” Barron said. “I was able to follow a similar process at the start of my tenure, and it was very helpful to me. I’m pleased to similarly support Dr. Bendapudi’s smooth and successful transition as the next president of Penn State.” 

Beginning in March, Bendapudi will attend key meetings with President Barron and other University leaders, begin her tour of Penn State’s campuses across the commonwealth, and continue to meet with University constituents and supporters. 

“I cannot wait to begin to get to know our students, faculty and staff and to become a part of the wonderful Penn State and State College communities,” Bendapudi said. “I look forward to spending time with President Barron and University leaders to gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.” 

This spring, Bendapudi will officially move from Kentucky to State College, along with her family. 

Editor’s note: Dates within the story have been updated.

Last Updated March 17, 2022