Adewumi appointed vice provost for International Programs

University Park , Pa. -- Michael Adewumi, the Quentin E. and Louise L. Wood University Endowed Fellow and professor of petroleum and natural gas engineering at Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, has been named the University's vice provost for international programs, effective Oct. 1.

Adewumi will provide leadership for the University's education abroad programs and support services for international students and scholars, and will work to develop strategic international partnerships and a more globally oriented curriculum for Penn State students. He will collaborate with the University's college deans, campus chancellors, and key faculty to ensure an international perspective in the University's three major functions of teaching, research and service/outreach.

"Michael Adewumi brings a bold vision and deep passion for internationalization, and has a proven track record in building global research and outreach relationships on behalf of the University," said Rodney Erickson, executive vice president and provost. "I look forward to working with Dr. Adewumi to enhance the international experiences of our students, faculty and staff at Penn State and our wider campus communities."

Adewumi is a distinguished scholar and teacher who also has served as director of the Alliance for Earth Sciences, Engineering and Development in Africa (AESEDA). Under his leadership AESEDA has secured more than $7 million in external funding to support capacity building, research and outreach engagements in Africa and at Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S. Earlier this year, Adewumi was also named the inaugural UNESCO Chair in georesources engineering management at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Adewumi was selected to be an administrative fellow to the executive vice president and provost during the 2005-2006 academic year. In 2006-2007 he chaired a review team on the Framework to Foster Diversity and in 2006 was a member of the strategic planning group that developed the plans for Penn State's new School of International Affairs. The U.S. Congressional Black Caucus recognized Adewumi in 2005 with its Champion Partnership Award, presented to distinguished leaders who have formed innovative alliances with other institutions to provide access and opportunities that ensure equitable and brighter future prospects for underserved students.

"We live and our graduates work in a global world," said Adewumi. "Our future greatness and relevance depend very strongly on our global presence and global competitiveness. I am looking forward to working with faculty, staff and students across the University in promoting programs and initiatives that will enhance Penn State's status as a world-class center for international engagement and scholarship."

Adewumi joined Penn State's faculty in 1985 following a postdoctoral research fellowship at Chicago's Institute of Gas Technology. He received master's and doctoral degrees in gas engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a bachelor of science degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He has served as a consultant for many major U.S. and multinational oil and gas companies, environmental companies and national governments and their agencies.

The International Programs Office is Penn State's focal point in the international arena. It supports the University in initiating and responding to international opportunities and obligations in an increasingly interdependent world, and helps prepare students, staff and faculty to understand and work effectively in the global community and maintain an international perspective at every level of the institution.