Gutmann preps to be next Penn president

Though commencement is quickly approaching at Princeton University, Penn President-elect -- and Princeton Provost -- Amy Gutmann is still studying.

In addition to regular meetings with University President Judith Rodin, Gutmann is working to familiarize herself with the broad range of people and issues she will deal with on a daily basis when she comes to Penn on July 1.

Gutmann "is interested in all aspects of the University," said University Secretary Leslie Kruhly. She has "tried to acquaint herself with as much of Penn as she could -- in addition to the deans and senior administrators, she has met with all of the school and center resource directors."

In addition to her on-campus activities, Gutmann has already begun to forge a connection with a key component of the University -- its alumni.

"At Dr. Rodin's invitation, [Gutmann] attended a key event in Florida this spring," Kruhly said. The event, held for the University's most significant donors, gave Gutmann the opportunity to meet with those who offer financial support crucial to Penn's future. She has also attended several other events for Penn alumni and volunteers.

University Vice President of Information Systems and Computing Robin Beck met with Gutmann to discuss information technology on Penn's campus as part of Gutmann's transition.

"What she asked all of us is to prepare some briefing material," Beck said. "She was trying to get a sense of the organization and roles and responsibilities [of ISC] and that's what we talked about."

"These are informational meetings, and sort of getting-to-know-you kinds of things," Beck added.

College Dean Rebecca Bushnell also met with Gutmann once and plans on keeping in contact with her.

"We talked about the values of a liberal arts undergraduate education ... and the challenges and opportunities we see at Penn," Bushnell wrote in an e-mail interview.

University Provost Robert Barchi has been one of Gutmann's steady contacts throughout the transition.

"Amy has been interested in learning as quickly as she can how the University works and how it's different from her current environment," Barchi said.

Gutmann seeks information about "key issues that are on the table right now, what kinds of short term and medium term problems we're facing, and how this University manages itself," he added.

Gutmann has had no shortage of faces to meet or issues to confront during the past few months.

"She has an awful lot of things to be concerned about," Barchi said, and "an awful lot of areas of the University that she has to interact with."

Officials are confident that the July transition will run smoothly.

"I'm in IT, so I like change," Beck said. "I think we've been very fortunate with Dr. Rodin, and I anticipate that Dr. Gutmann will be an equally wonderful president for Penn."

Bushnell said all of Gutmann's recent time at Penn will pay off.

"She really is spending a lot of time to come to know Penn," Bushnell wrote. "That will help immensely."

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