On May 19, former Vice Provost for Online Education Renata Engel began her interim term as Vice President for all Penn State Commonwealth Campuses.

Engel’s new role was previously held by Margo DelliCarpini, who announced in March that she would be stepping down to accept a position at the College of New Jersey.

Renata Engel’s career at Penn State began in 1990 and has included a multitude of different titles and responsibilities. Initially a professor in the College of Engineering, she taught engineering mechanics and engineering design.

Her work on the administrative side of the university includes her role as associate vice provost for online programs, associate dean for academic programs in the College of Engineering, and director for the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence.

Her collaborative experience in her various positions with students, administrators, and professors has defined her career at the university, and she looks forward to continuing a collaborative approach across the campuses as interim vice president.

During a year with limited definiteness regarding the future of the Commonwealth Campuses, Engel is aware of the sensitive situation she is stepping into.

“While no final decisions have been made and important deliberations continue, I can say to all of our campus communities that I am committed to supporting students and their success, and will continue to work with care to minimize the impact of changes on our employees in the coming years,” Engel said in a release.

A Penn State alum herself, Engel attended Penn State Fayette and graduated from University Park in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in engineering science. She then went on the receive a doctorate in engineering mechanics from the University of South Florida in 1988.

During her time as vice provost for Online Education, she has revolutionized Penn State’s online education options by introducing a plethora of new degrees, including doctorate programs in the College of Engineering and the College of Education.

She heavily prioritizes students’ success as well as affordability for students across all Penn State campuses.

“I have always thought that we are at our best as a University when we work together to develop innovative solutions to solve our challenges. That is why I approach every decision or recommendation with the breadth and comprehensiveness of this University in mind,” Engel said.

She is honored to accept the role and looks forward to the further contributions and success she can bring to the university in this new position.