Nicole Sampson named University of Rochester provost

Sampson, who has decades of higher education leadership experience, has served as interim provost since August.

Nicole Sampson will serve as the University provost effective February 1. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)

University of Rochester President Sarah Mangelsdorf has announced that Interim Provost Nicole Sampson has been named the University's permanent provost and chief academic officer, effective February 1.

Sampson stepped into the role of interim provost on August 1, 2024, and since then has worked closely with faculty, students, staff, and leadership to advance the University's academic mission and related initiatives within the Boundless Possibility strategic plan, including reimagining the undergraduate and graduate education experience. The Executive Committee of the University's Board of Trustees has approved Sampson's appointment.

"Nicole has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision during her time as interim provost," says Mangelsdorf. "Her ability to inspire collaboration and drive strategic initiatives has strengthened our academic mission and positioned us to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in our strategic plan. I am confident that she will continue to provide outstanding leadership continuing in the role of provost."

As provost and chief academic officer, Sampson has responsibility for the entirety of the University's academic enterprise, overseeing the five main academic units-the School of Arts & Sciences, the Eastman School of Music, the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, the Simon Business School, and the Warner School of Education and Human Development. The provost's portfolio additionally includes a number of University-wide units, including the Office for Global Engagement, as well as undergraduate admissions.

During her tenure as the Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences, Sampson played a pivotal role in identifying and advancing several strategic priorities to improve student success outcomes and to co-launch a transformative initiative to expand natural sciences and engineering facilities with Hajim School Dean Wendi Heinzelman. As dean, she oversaw the hiring of more than 20 new faculty members and enhancing support for students, faculty, and staff, while elevating the School of Arts & Sciences and Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences out of the former Arts, Sciences & Engineering structure. These initiatives are being continued by School of Arts & Sciences Interim Dean Duje Tadin.

In her six months as interim provost, Sampson spearheaded an ambitious reorganization of the Academic Center, creating an Office of Academic Excellence that will focus on enhancing the educational experience for Rochester students-both undergraduate and graduate across all schools. She hired the University's inaugural senior vice provost for academic excellence who, working closely with the vice president for university student life, will work to ensure Rochester offers its students a higher education experience that will set them up for the brightest possible future.

"I am profoundly honored to accept this role and continue serving the University during this exciting time of innovation and transformation," says Sampson. "Through the Boundless Possibility strategic plan, we are deeply focused on student success and ensuring the continued success and prominence of the University of Rochester research enterprise. I look forward to working with our dedicated community to achieve these bold and transformative goals."

Sampson says her ongoing goals include further enhancing academic student success, improving infrastructure to support faculty research and the student experience, and in collaboration with Vice President for Research Steve Dewhurst, launching phase two transdisciplinary research centers-all of which will serve to increase the reputation of the University's academic enterprise.

Before joining the University in August 2023, Sampson served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Stony Brook University. Over her three-decade career there, she held numerous leadership roles while maintaining an active research program focused on the molecular mechanisms of mammalian fertilization, precision polymer synthesis, and treatments for infectious diseases like tuberculosis and cholera.

Sampson earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Harvey Mudd College and a PhD in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and completed an American Cancer Society postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University. She will continue to hold her position as University Professor in the Department of Chemistry while serving as provost.

The University is preparing a national search for the next dean of the School of Arts & Sciences. More information on that search will be announced as soon as it is available.

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