Sophia T. Wisniewska, the chancellor of Penn State Brandywine, has been named the new regional chancellor of USF St. Petersburg.
According to a press release from USF News, the scholar of Russian language and literature held a number of leadership positions in the Penn State System. She also served as dean and CEO at Temple University Ambler for six years.
“It is a rare privilege to have the opportunity to lead an institution with such strong programs and engaged faculty and to join a community where faculty and students collaborate on research and service projects,” Wisniewska said. “USFSP is uniquely positioned to play a vital role in the intellectual, economic and cultural development of the region. I look forward to getting to know the students, the faculty, the staff and other members of the community, and to join with them to advance USFSP’s mission.”
In a letter to USF St. Petersburg students, faculty and staff announcing the appointment, USF System President Judy Genshaft praised Wisniewska.
I believe Dr. Wisniewska has the experience and vision to continue the tremendous progress we have witnessed at USF St. Petersburg. Her commitment to scholarship, teaching and community engagement will enrich both USFSP and the broader community. She will inspire all who meet her.
Wisniewska was one of three finalists an advisory board suggested to Genshaft. Ron Brown, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Wayne State University in Detroit and Ralph Rogers, vice chancellor for academic affairs and mechanical engineering professor at Purdue University Calumet in Indiana were the other two finalists.
Bill Hogarth, the director of the Florida Institute of Oceanography, had been serving as interim Chancellor since Margaret Sullivan resigned last August to "pursue new adventures."
Wisniewska will assume the chancellor role July 1st.
