President Amy Gutmann wants Penn to be at the forefront of the international community. Making Penn a world leader, she said, is one of her highest priorities.
And this is something to which Ron Daniels -- Penn's new provost -- has devoted his career.
In his first few months on the job, Daniels has presented himself as a supporter of Gutmann's initiatives. Since starting at Penn in July, he has spent much of his time learning about the University and "doing a lot of listening," he said.
But improving Penn's global reputation could be where Daniels makes his mark.
Daniels is a foreigner himself, having come to Penn from his native Toronto and the University of Toronto Law School. He devoted much of his career there to making the law school an internationally oriented institution.
"You don't come into the office as an empty vessel," Daniels said. "Through your discipline, you have a certain way of looking at problems."
Daniels will have an opportunity to put his expertise into action with the Task Force on Global Engagement, a committee he and Gutmann created to come up with ideas to make Penn more prominent on the world stage.
The task force -- composed of administrators, faculty and two students -- met for the first time yesterday. Its members will issue a report in December with two or three concrete recommendations to "advance the University's globalization agenda," as is Gutmann and Daniels' intent.
While Daniels does not serve on the committee, its leaders expect his knowledge to guide them.
"We expect him to be very vocal," said Susan Fuhrman, dean of the Graduate School of Education and co-chairwoman of the committee. "He won't be sitting there with us at the meetings, but I know we'll find ways to hear what he thinks."
And Daniels is eager to talk -- especially about issues dealing with law and international problems.
At a lecture sponsored by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships last week, Daniels spoke emphatically about the importance of government in dealing with global poverty.
"In terms of what developing countries are missing, it's a good set of laws and legal institutions," Daniels told the audience. "Maybe this is my Canadian stance, but I also have a very hopeful view of government."
Students who have interacted with Daniels say his passion for international issues is what makes him qualified for the job.
"I was sort of interested in what my provost did before he came to Penn," said College sophomore Justin Masterman, who attended Daniels' speech last week.
"He made it clear he loves the law," Masterman continued. "That's good for someone in a high administrative position."
For now, Daniels says he still sees himself as a newcomer to Penn. But as he works with Gutmann to encourage Penn's global engagement, his own interest in the topic will inform his future here.
"There's an opportunity to shape this role" of provost, Daniels said.
