Provost and Professor of Neurology Robert L. Barchi Gr’72 M’73 will be leaving Penn to pursue a new opportunity as president of Thomas Jefferson University beginning in September. He will also serve on the board of Thomas Jefferson Hospital and the Jefferson Health System and oversee nearly 2,300 future physicians, scientists and health-care professionals.

As 30-year veteran of Penn who dedicated much of his time to teaching and research in the life sciences, Barchi has served as the University’s 27th Provost since 1999. Early in his tenure, he worked to stabilize the long-term financial outlook of the School of Medicine and recently led Penn’s strategic planning efforts. “Jefferson University has made an inspired choice in selecting Bob to lead its schools forward,” said Penn President Judith Rodin CW’66. “I am deeply grateful for the vision and commitment he has brought to his tenure as Provost. He has been an outstanding Provost, trusted advisor and good friend.”