Penn State lost its graduate school dean and vice president for research yesterday.

The University of Missouri announced that Hank Foley, who has worked at Penn State since 2000, would be appointed as vice president for academic affairs. Foley received his Ph.D in physical and inorganic chemistry from Penn State and has taught in the Chemical Engineering department since 2000. He was appointed as vice president for research in 2009.

“As a Penn State alumnus, working here over the last 13 years has been a joy. I have learned so much from everyone and will bring my experience and excitement to the University of Missouri System,” Foley said. “Like Penn State, the University of Missouri is made up of humble, hard-working people who want the best for their state, the region and the nation. I believe in public research universities like Penn State and the schools making up the University of Missouri System. These are great institutions; it is a privilege for me to serve them.”

Foley will assume his responsibilities at the University of Missouri later this summer, the exact date yet to be determined. Penn State will appoint interim leadership for research administration and the Graduate School in the next few weeks.

“Hank Foley has been a great asset to Penn State for the past 13 years,” said Penn State President Rodney Erickson. “He has filled a number of important leadership roles and has successfully overseen one of Penn State’s largest and most significant areas — our research enterprise, which currently stands at $808 million. We are sorry to see him leave, but the University of Missouri System has made an excellent choice.”

We wish Dr. Foley success and good luck with his new gig. Research is one of Penn State’s cornerstones, and Dr. Foley served it well during his time in Old Main.