University of Pennsylvania President J. Larry Jameson and Provost John L. Jackson, Jr. announced on November 5 that Vijay Kumar’s service as the Nemirovsky Family Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science has been extended to June 30, 2029, as reported by almanac.upenn.edu.
The reappointment follows a review of Kumar’s major accomplishments during his tenure. The Board of Trustees will receive a resolution at its next meeting to formally approve the two-year extension of his term.
University leaders praised Kumar’s collaborative approach to guiding the engineering school. Jameson stated that the dean has successfully steered the institution through a period of remarkable growth while advancing its impact across campus and beyond.
“Dean Kumar is widely respected as a collaborative and visionary leader who has guided Penn Engineering through a period of remarkable growth while advancing its impact across the University and beyond,” said President Jameson.
Under Kumar’s watch, the engineering enterprise expanded its research scale and societal impact. Focus areas now include human health, physical intelligence, and sustainable infrastructure.
The school strengthened commercialization efforts and industry partnerships. Administrators also created the Futures Fund to support bold ideas and diversify research funding pathways.
Academic programs expanded as research output increased. Faculty size grew by more than 40 percent, and student enrollment increased across multiple degree tracks.
Penn Engineering established the Ivy League’s first undergraduate degree in artificial intelligence under Kumar’s leadership. The online platform also scaled globally alongside a modernized undergraduate curriculum.
Philanthropic commitments surpassed $400 million during Kumar’s tenure, tripling annual fundraising over the past decade. These funds supported faculty recruitment and new campus facilities, including Amy Gutmann Hall and the Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology.
Provost Jackson noted that these milestones position the school for continued excellence. Jackson credited the dean’s strategic and inclusive leadership for the sustained success in faculty recruitment and educational innovation.
“Dean Kumar's many accomplishments reflect his strategic and inclusive leadership,” said Provost Jackson.
Kumar’s service is extended to June 30, 2029, pending final approval.
Penn President J. Larry Jameson and Provost John L. Jackson, Jr. announced the decision on November 5.
The Board of Trustees will receive a resolution to approve the two-year extension at its next meeting.