Barchi takes office as the University's 31st provost

Robert Barchi enters an office whose great responsibilities have changed over time. The office of the provost dates back to 1754, when University founder Benjamin Franklin recruited the first in a line of scholars to hold the post which was for nearly 200 years the highest-ranking position at Penn. Today, 245 years later, Robert Barchi steps into one of the oldest and most powerful jobs at the University -- one that has long shaped the development of academic policy. The provost became the University's chief academic officer in 1930, when the University's Board of Trustees established the office of the president, which has since been the top job in the University hierarchy. Then and now, the University provost has faced a long list of responsibilities -- few of which are tackled from within the confines of College Hall. Today, the provost is responsible to the president for the coordination and quality of academic and research programs. "As chief academic officer of the University, the provost provides the foundation for strong and vital teaching and research institutions," University President Judith Rodin said. "[Barchi] will bring new spirit and vigor to current projects, and vision and energy to old ones." To further the advancement of academic initiatives, the provost consults with faculty and students to bring new projects to fruition. The deans of Penn's 12 undergraduate and graduate schools report to the provost, who also oversees vice provosts and institutes directors. To ease the transition into his new job, Barchi has spent the past month consulting with the diverse range of academic faculty. "He's hit the floor running," School of Nursing Dean Norma Lang said. "He's listening to all the constituent groups." Through his work as an academic leader, the provost can create and develop educational programs and initiatives. Past provosts have created the University Scholars Program -- which supports and funds student research projects -- as well as the Speaking Across the University program and the Faculty Council of Undergraduate Education, which has worked to implement programs such as freshman seminars. The University's provost also chairs advisory bodies on academic and budget issues, such as the Council of Deans and the Academic Planning and Budget Committee. As well as working closely with the current academic staff, the provost also oversees the intake of new faculty and recommends appointments of deans and department chairs to the president, according to Executive Assistant to the Provost Linda Koons. University administrators are confident that Barchi, Penn's newest provost, will devote himself to his job. College of Arts and Sciences Dean Richard Beeman said Barchi is "smart, efficient and energetic." "He will challenge us every step of the way," he added.