Office of the President

WPI president grace wang standing outside campus building

Grace J. Wang, PhD

A materials scientist and highly accomplished and collaborative leader in higher education, government, and industry, Grace J. Wang, PhD, began her term as the 17th president of WPI on April 3, 2023. 
Learn more about the career path that led Grace to WPI. 
 

"In a community where transforming lives is as much about student well-being as it is about our distinctive project-based education and purpose-driven research, I have found my place, my home, as WPI’s 17th president." - Grace J. Wang

 

CONTACT
Location: Boynton Hall
Office Location: 1st floor
Phone: 508-831-5200
Preview Two students, one in red top and one in yellow top, sit talking with President Wang at a conference table

Moving Forward Together

Read President Wang's message to the community when she took the helm on April 3, 2023. 

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President Wang Shares Her Thoughts in Q&A

In a Q&A with WPI's Journal, President Wang shared her excitement for working with the campus community to advance WPI's strengths in purpose-driven education and research.

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President Wang's First Year and Beyond: Leading and Connecting

Since taking the helm in April of 2023, President Wang has been involved in many of WPI's events and activities—deepening her connections with the WPI community and planning for WPI's future endeavors. 

"All my interactions and listening have deepened my understanding of our history, culture, and community and excited me for what’s ahead." —President Grace J. Wang
students standing around

President Wang met with students during one of WPI's Wellness Days.

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The School of Arts & Sciences holds "Arts & Sciences Week," featuring panel discussions and other activities related to important topics affecting society.

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President Wang held her first town hall for faculty and staff soon after taking over as president.

two people sitting at table

WPI and Holy Cross announced a new partnership to develop innovative dual degree programs.

Theory and Practice: Our Founding Tradition Since 1865

The nation’s third-oldest private technological university, WPI was founded amid the bustle of the American Industrial Revolution. Our distinctive approach to education began with a compromise that led to a breakthrough: combining a college that would provide a scientific education to young people destined for emerging technical careers with a school that could elevate the traditional apprenticeship system for mechanics and other technical tradespeople. By blending these visions, WPI created a new approach to higher education unlike any that had come before—one that combined theory with practice. This Two Towers Tradition has guided the university for more than 150 years.

University History
Past Presidents

News

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WPI Welcomes Three New Board Members

November 04, 2024
LISTEN: Play Button Icon of a play button Pause Icon of pause button 00:00 | 04:27

Announcements

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Media Coverage

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Worcester Business Journal
Power 100: The most influential professionals in Central Mass. for 2025

President Grace J. Wang and Vice President and Vice Provost for Research and Innovation Bogdan Vernescu have been named to the Worcester Business Journal’s Power 100 for 2025. The list highlights professionals who have an outsize influence on Central Massachusetts. The selection of these WPI leaders recognizes their leadership of the university and their focus on enhancing impactful research at WPI and driving innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Read the articles featuring President Grace J. Wang and Vice President and Vice Provost for Research and Innovation Bogdan Vernescu.

Boston Globe
State leaders launch effort to boost climate tech

On February 21, WPI hosted the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for an event to mark the release of the Massachusetts Climatetech Economic Development Strategy & Implementation Plan. President Grace Wang delivered introductory remarks. Attendees toured some of WPI’s laboratories where our faculty and student researchers are driving related advancements in clean technology.

 

 

Additional Publications: Mass Live | Renewable Energy Magazine
Forbes
WPI Attains Designation as an R1 Research University

Media outlets, including Forbes, reported on WPI's designation as an R1 institution. The classification from the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching identifies WPI as a top-tier research institution based on research spending and the number of doctoral degrees awarded annually.

 

Additional Publications: Boston Globe | Mass Live | Worcester Business Journal | The Worcester Guardian | University Business