Penn president, Larry Jameson sat down with Penn Today to discuss new projects and initiatives introduced during the past year.
A year after being named Penn’s interim president, Larry Jameson sat down with Penn Today to reflect on his tenure and discuss new projects and initiatives introduced during the past year, including the University Task Force on Antisemitism, the creation of the Artificial Intelligence Council, and new construction on campus.
Jameson took over from former Penn President Liz Magill after she stepped down from the presidency amid national controversy over the University's handling of alleged antisemitism on campus. Jameson reflected on how his previous roles prepared him for leadership but also emphasized how the presidency has broadened his understanding of the University.
An experienced physician, Jameson spent over a decade as executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania Health System and dean of the Perelman School of Medicine prior to accepting the interim role.
“I’m constantly in learning mode,” Jameson said. “I’ve been on a college campus for all of my adult life — since I was a freshman — and I’m still learning.”
Since becoming interim president, he explained, his understanding of the 12 schools and the various institutions that Penn consists of has grown tremendously, driving his curiosity and exposing him to research, faculty, alumni, and students that he otherwise may not have met.
A key focus of Jameson’s presidency has been the University’s response to antisemitism and Islamophobia as well as the implementation of recommendations from the University Task Force on Antisemitism and the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community.
In the interview, Jameson highlighted the work of Deputy Provost Beth Winkelstein, who played a part in leading the implementation process of recommendations from the two groups' reports.
“Each of the groups had a sharp focus on culture, belonging, and they wanted us to go through a process of creating a values statement, which we’ve now done,” Jameson told Penn Today.
The values statement was launched in September along with Jameson’s announcement that Penn would move toward institutional neutrality and limit University statements on local and world events in an effort to protect “diversity of thought" on campus.
He also discussed the strategic framework, created by Magill in 2023, that helped shape the University’s planning and initiatives, “In Principle and Practice.” The framework was developed after an extensive listening process involving students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Jameson underscored the framework's adaptability, adding that “it’s a living strategy that provides direction while remaining adaptable to the moment.” The framework guides the efforts of each of Penn’s schools as they develop their own strategic plans tailored to their specific missions.
New leadership roles also played an important part in bringing “In Principle and Practice” to life, Jameson emphasized, including the appointments of Michael Mann as vice provost for climate science, policy, and action and Tim Rommen as vice provost for the arts.
He additionally spoke about the new buildings on campus, such as Amy Gutmann Hall and the Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology. These facilities, designed to support climate science, sustainability, and AI research, are symbolic of the interconnectedness of Penn’s mission.
“Everything about the design [of the Vagelos Lab] is focused on sustainability,” Jameson said, describing how the facility’s design incorporates radiant heat systems, efficient airflow, and energy-conscious materials.
As the cost of higher education continues to be a point of scrutiny across the country, Jameson emphasized the importance of accessibility and opportunity. Building on former President Amy Gutmann’s all-grant, no-loan philosophy, Penn has launched the Quaker Commitment, which aims to make Penn education more affordable for middle-income families.
“Our goal is to make Penn available to as broad a population as possible,” he said, pointing out the new steps launched to simplify the financial aid process, such as eliminating consideration of home equity.
To close, Jameson reflected on the past year as a whole and shared how impressed he has been with the dedication and passion of Penn’s students and faculty.
“The students who are here recognize that this is the opportunity of a lifetime, and they want to take full advantage of it,” Jameson said.
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