Mark Trodden, PhD is appointed as the Dean of the Penn School of Arts and Sciences.
Photo Credit: Penn Arts & Sciences and Penn Facilities
By Sarah Mester
University President Larry Jameson announced on March 15 that Mark Trodden, PhD would serve as the next Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences effective June 1, 2025, and pending Trustee approval. Trodden is currently the Associate Dean for the Natural Sciences. Jameson noted that he is a “distinguished physicist, accomplished academic leader, and deeply respected member of the Penn community.”
Jeffrey Kallberg, a Professor of Music and former SAS Associate Dean for Arts and Letters, has been serving as the interim dean of SAS since January 1, 2025 after the SAS dean of 12 years Steven Fluharty stepped down at the end of 2024.
Jameson further noted that “Dr. Trodden brings extraordinary breadth and depth of experience to one of the University’s most vital academic enterprises” and that his selection was the outcome of a rigorous search process that sought “a leader of intellectual distinction, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to the core values of academic excellence, curiosity, and community.”
Jameson included a statement from Trodden in his message:
“It is a profound honor to lead the School of Arts and Sciences at this moment,” said Dr. Trodden. “This School is home to some of the most brilliant and creative minds in the world, and I am deeply committed to supporting our faculty, students, staff, and alumni as we advance knowledge, elevate discourse, and prepare our graduates for thoughtful and engaged lives. I look forward to working closely with colleagues across disciplines, and across Penn, to shape the next chapter in our School’s proud history.”
Sarah Mester is a senior in the College studying Political Science and Classics from San Francisco, CA. She’s the News Editor for The Pennsylvania Post. Her email is smester@sas.upenn.edu.
