UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jeff Adams has been named associate vice president and associate dean for Undergraduate Education at Penn State, effective Jan. 2, 2018. He succeeds Jacqueline Edmondson, who is serving as the chancellor of Penn State Greater Allegheny.
Adams comes to Penn State from Millersville University of Pennsylvania, where he is the associate provost for academic administration, a position he has held since 2011. Prior to his work at Millersville, Adams was an assistant vice provost for undergraduate education and an associate professor of physics at Montana State University. At both Millersville and Montana State, Adams provided leadership on undergraduate curriculum development and assessment, general education, and teaching and learning support and enhancement.
Adams holds a doctorate in physics, a bachelor of science in engineering physics, and a bachelor of education in mathematics and physics, all from Queen’s University in Canada.
“I first found my passion as a teacher, and I have always been motivated by helping students succeed,” said Adams. “As an administrator, I see my work as collaborating with faculty and staff to improve students' experiences and ensure their learning.”
In his new role, Adams will be a member of the leadership team in the Office of Undergraduate Education and will provide collaborative leadership for University-wide conversations on the curriculum, new instructional models and effective spaces for supporting learning. In addition, he will work on issues related to program implementation and the use of data to examine, understand and improve the undergraduate student experience.
“Dr. Adams brings comprehensive knowledge in curriculum development from multiple higher education institutions to Penn State," said Rob Pangborn, vice president and dean for Undergraduate Education. "He has a proven record of discovering new and innovative ways to support students through their learning experience, encouraging them to explore and share ideas to create meaningful connections for academic success.”
Penn State Undergraduate Education is the academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for University-wide programs and initiatives in support of undergraduate teaching and learning at Penn State. Learn more about Undergraduate Education at undergrad.psu.edu.