Presidential Search

WPI Boynton Hall

The Search for the Next Leader of WPI

A national search for the 17th president of WPI is under way. (Former President Laurie Leshin left WPI in May to lead NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab.) Selecting a president is one of the most significant responsibilities of the Board of Trustees, and attracting the strongest possible candidates is the top priority. We remain committed to conducting an inclusive, consultative, and transparent process that seeks and incorporates feedback from the entire WPI community.

Presidential Leadership Profile

The position specification for the next president of WPI reflects the input of the Presidential Search Committee and more than 500 members of the WPI community who participated in various forums to share their ideas, concerns, and aspirations for the university and its next leader.

The search for WPI’s 17th president has come to a successful conclusion. 

Grace Wang, PhD, a materials scientist and accomplished and collaborative leader in higher education, government, and industry, will join the university on April 3, 2023.

 

CONTACT
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Announcements

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News

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Community Engagement 

More than 500 members of the community have provided their input in the presidential search process since February. David LaPre '74, trustee and chair of the search committee, and Lauren Turner, senior vice president for talent & inclusion (T&I) and the T&I team have hosted sessions for all stakeholder groups—and a survey remains open, to get their input on:

  • aspirations for WPI--and inspirations for candidates
  • the greatest opportunities and the greatest challenges facing WPI
  • recommendations for the top agenda items for WPI’s next president
  • pride points in being affiliated with WPI
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The Road Ahead

We anticipate a robust search over at least the next year. In the meantime, we are very fortunate to have a strong interim president in Provost and Senior Vice President Wole Soboyejo––a highly accomplished academic and administrative leader–-who will champion the many important initiatives underway at WPI and advocate for the university.

Regular updates on the progress of the search, as well as upcoming opportunities to provide input, will be shared with the WPI community via email and posted on this website.

 

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