In May, our esteemed colleague and dear friend Wendell Pritchett announced that he would be taking a leave of absence from his duties as Provost to tend to some significant health challenges. I am very pleased to report that Wendell is healthy again and that he is eager to return to campus in January, which is very good news for all of us who treasure his friendship and value the extraordinary work he has done for Penn.
At this point, after much reflection with his family, Wendell has decided that he would like to return to his position as a member of the faculty of the Penn Carey Law School. While I had very much hoped to welcome him back as Provost, I fully understand and support this deeply felt and very personal decision.
As I approach my final months at Penn there are so many important things still to accomplish and, as I reflected on the best ways to maximize Penn momentum over this period, it was clear to me that I could benefit greatly from Wendell’s service and wise counsel. After discussing this with him, Wendell has enthusiastically agreed to accept a role as Senior Advisor to the President to help me as I conclude my final semester as President.
Wendell will assume this role through the end of the spring semester, and then return full-time to his faculty position in the Penn Carey Law School. I am most grateful to him and look forward to working with him in the months ahead. Wendell also wanted me to share with you that from the beginning of the current presidential search process, he made clear to the search committee that he did not wish to be considered as a candidate. This is consistent with his plans to return to teaching, which is his great personal passion.
Beth Winkelstein, who has been serving admirably as Interim Provost during Wendell’s leave of absence, has graciously agreed to continue in that role until Penn’s next president selects the next provost.
As thrilled as I am that Wendell will be back in College Hall next semester, working closely with me, I am most delighted to know that Wendell is healthy and well. I know you will all join me in welcoming him back to campus in January and in celebrating the exceptional job that he did as Penn’s Provost, while also treasuring the fact that he will continue to serve our students long into the future.