Effective immediately, former Vice Provost for Online Education Renata Engel has been granted a three-year appointment as vice president for Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor. Engel has been serving as interim vice president since May 19.  

Since 1982, Engel has been a member of the Penn State Community. She began her college career at Penn State Fayette and ended at University Park, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in engineering science.

Engel joined the university in 1990, holding several leadership and faculty positions throughout her career. She was a professor of engineering mechanics and engineering design, associate vice provost for online programs, associate dean for academic programs in the College of Engineering, and director of the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence.

Penn State Executive Vice President and Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos said the Commonwealth Campuses are in a critical time and need a strong leader who has long-term goals for the future as they oversee the closure of seven campuses.

“As vice president, Renata will continue to focus on advancing student success, strengthening the academic and financial sustainability of our campuses, and supporting the faculty and staff whose dedication is central to our mission,” Sotiropoulos said in a release. “She also will be listening closely to the needs of each campus community as we work together to shape a sustainable, high-quality future for the Commonwealth Campuses.” 

Over the next three years, Engel said she is committed to helping each campus by keeping students’ success at the forefront of all decision-making and creating a supportive environment for faculty.  

“I am honored to continue in this role and look forward to the opportunity to reimagine what our Commonwealth Campuses can be,” Engel said in a release. “This is a time of reflection, change, and growth, and planning for the future. As we evaluate how to strengthen the Commonwealth Campus ecosystem, I will be focused on long-term academic quality, successful outcomes for our students, and a sustainable future model.”

During her time as vice provost for online education, Engel launched programs to transform online education availability and provided financial resources for students.

Engel is excited to continue working with campus leaders and is dedicated to helping students have every opportunity they need to succeed at Penn State.