In 2025, Penn introduced a new strategic vision and academic programs while facing increased scrutiny from the federal government.
In March, Larry Jameson was named Penn’s 10th permanent president after serving in an interim capacity for over a year. During a meeting to confirm his appointment, University Board of Trustees Chair Ramanan Raghavendran said that given the “challenges facing higher education today,” there is “nothing more important than leadership.” The Office of the Provost also welcomed several new leaders into key roles this year.
As 1968 Wharton graduate and President Donald Trump returned to the White House, Penn faced a barrage of attacks from the federal government, including funding cuts and a Title IX investigation from the Department of Education stemming from 2022 College graduate Lia Thomas’ participation on the women’s swimming and diving team. In July, the University reached a settlement with the federal government to resolve that investigation, banning transgender athletes from women’s sports teams.
Several campus labor groups saw developments in their unionization efforts and bargaining negotiations this year. Penn’s research assistants and postdoctoral scholars voted to unionize over the summer, and the graduate workers’ union overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike following over a year of contract negotiations with University administrators.
Jameson introduced a new strategic framework — titled “Penn Forward” — in September, designed to help shape the University’s future and marking his first major initiative as Penn’s president. The University also announced new programs at both the undergraduate and graduate education levels, piloting a new College of Arts and Sciences foundational curriculum and approving five new master’s degrees.
Look back at the biggest stories from Penn this year with The Daily Pennsylvanian’s Year in Review:
