Dr. Bruce Kraut has been named the senior director of Penn State’s University Health Services (UHS), the university announced Friday. He will officially begin on September 15.

Kraut comes to Penn State following eight years at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey where he served as medical director and senior administrator. Additionally, Kraut spent 20 years as the director and lead physician at a pediatric practice in Ocala, Florida.

Kraut received his doctorate in medicine from Emory University. He also received a doctorate in classics from Princeton University and has taught in classics at the University of Georgia and the University of Florida.

Kraut also brings administrative experience to Penn State. Previously, he has overseen operations that included billing and financial sustainability, insurance negotiations, navigating diverse models of healthcare delivery, and more.

“I am honored, privileged, and humbled to have been granted this extraordinary opportunity to bring my combined passions for academia and medicine to the role of senior director of University Health Services,” Kraut said. “It is especially gratifying to be asked to join such a dedicated team within Student Affairs to help ensure the success of every student’s unique mission at Penn State and to promote the values of this iconic institution, in particular the value of ‘community,’ which I share deeply.” 

Damon Sims, the vice president of Student Affairs, believes Kraut’s expertise will help expand student wellness.

“Bruce’s experience, intellect, care, and passion for the health and wellness of students are unquestionable,” said Sims. “We are eager for his leadership and partnership, and I am confident our expanding commitment to student wellness, in all its dimensions, will benefit significantly from his contributions to the Penn State community.”

Kraut succeeds Micah Griffin, who served as UHS’ senior director from January to November 2021, and Andrea Dowhower, Student Affairs’ associate vice president, who served as the interim senior director since November 2021.