Rick Brazier, the dean of Penn State’s University College, is stepping down to return to the faculty and seek other opportunities at the university. He has agreed to remain dean until a replacement is found.

Brazier began at Penn State in 1996 as a research associate in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and has held multiple leadership roles at Commonwealth Campuses since then. These roles include the senior associate dean for faculty and research, mathematics discipline coordinator, and a founding member of the LaunchBox network at Penn State.

Brazier began his career as interim dean in 2022 and became the official dean of University College in 2024. During his tenure, he supported academic program development, oversaw faculty affairs, and supported student success throughout the Commonwealth Campuses.

“It has been a privilege to serve as the dean of the University College,” Brazier said in a press release. “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together and look forward to continuing to contribute to Penn State in new ways.”

Brazier is a professor of mathematics and geology as well as a recipient of Penn State’s George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching. As dean of Penn State’s University College, he took initiatives to support faculty efforts and teaching across Commonwealth Campuses.