Indian-American academician Radha Pyati has been named the next chancellor and dean of Penn State Berks, effective July 1, 2023. She will succeed former chancellor George Grant Jr.,according to Penn State Press.
An award-winning environmentalist and a leader in STEM education, Pyati is presently dean of the college of sciences and mathematics at West Chester University (WCU). Under her leadership, the College of Sciences and Mathematics raised over US$3.4 mn for scholarships, faculty support and STEM programming, and planned the US$130 mn Science and Engineering Complex.
Lauding Dr Pyati’s appointment, Kelly Austen, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor of Penn State, said “She has a proven track record of success as an educator and academic leader. The faculty, staff and students at Penn State Berks will benefit from her experienced leadership. She deeply understands the essential mission of our Commonwealth Campuses, and shares these values of the University — all have which have made her the right person to lead Penn State Berks.”
Pyati has championed efforts to increase the diversity of faculty and students in her college and led several major environmental research projects in the Lower St. Johns River Basin.
Reacting to the news, Pyati commented, “I met some wonderful students, faculty and staff during my visit, and I can’t wait to work with them. Elevating student outcomes and the growth of Penn State Berks is an inspiring mission to me.”
Before WCU, Pyati worked at the University of Colorado, and the University of North Florida. Most recently, she was a Fulbright Specialist at the University of ĐàNẵng in Vietnam. An accomplished researcher and City of Jacksonville Environmental Protections Board Award of Merit recipient, she has authored many papers, book chapters, and reports in chemistry and environmental science and participated in over thirty research projects as a principal investigator.
