Mark Trodden named dean of Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences

Mark Trodden has been named dean of the School of Arts & Sciences and the Thomas S. Gates Jr. Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, effective June 1. The announcement was made today by Penn President J. Larry Jameson and Provost John L. Jackson Jr.

“Dr. Trodden is a distinguished physicist, accomplished academic leader, and deeply respected member of the Penn community, and brings extraordinary breadth and depth of experience to one of the University’s most vital academic enterprises,” said Jameson. “In his previous roles at Penn, Dr. Trodden has earned wide admiration for his principled leadership, collaborative spirit, and ability to navigate the intersection of research excellence, educational mission, and institutional stewardship. His experience, judgment, and vision made him the clear and compelling choice to lead the School into its next era. He brings a deep understanding of the School’s distinctive landscape, a respect for its wide-ranging strengths, and a forward-looking vision for its continued excellence.”

Trodden currently serves as associate dean for the natural sciences and the Fay R. and Eugene L. Langberg Professor of Physics in the School of Arts & Sciences. A faculty member since 2009, he is co-director of the Center for Particle Cosmology and previously chaired the Department of Physics and Astronomy from 2014 to 2022. 

As associate dean, Trodden oversees seven departments and 15 centers and institutes, advancing strategic priorities across the natural sciences while forging key interdisciplinary partnerships within and beyond Penn. He was an invaluable partner in the completion of the Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology while also engaging deeply with alumni, donors, and volunteer leaders across the School and University community.

A widely cited scholar in cosmology and particle physics, Trodden is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the United Kingdom’s Institute of Physics. His leadership has been shaped by service on national scientific advisory bodies and his mentorship of the next generation of scholars in the field.

Throughout his career at Penn, Trodden has demonstrated a deep appreciation for the full range of inquiry and scholarship within the School of Arts & Sciences. He has been a steadfast advocate for the humanities, a champion of interdisciplinary collaboration, and a trusted institutional voice in moments of both promise and complexity.

“It is a profound honor to lead the School of Arts & Sciences at this moment,” said Trodden. “This School is home to some of the most brilliant and creative minds in the world, and I am deeply committed to supporting our faculty, students, staff, and alumni as we advance knowledge, elevate discourse, and prepare our graduates for thoughtful and engaged lives. I look forward to working closely with colleagues across disciplines, and across Penn, to shape the next chapter in our School’s proud history.”

In making the announcement of Trodden’s appointment, Jameson also thanked Vijay Kumar, the Nemirovsky Family Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, who chaired the Consultative Committee for the dean search, as well as the members of the committee: “I am grateful to Dean Kumar and the Consultative Committee for thoughtful guidance and dedication throughout the search in helping us identify a leader of Dr. Trodden’s caliber and vision.”