The University of Pennsylvania's provost has been selected this week to become the next president of Duke University, school officials said.
An announcement was made Friday by both schools that Vincent Price, 59, will be headed to Durham, North Carolina, but not before he completes the current fiscal year at the Ivy League school in Philadelphia.
Price has served as Penn's provost since July 1, 2009 and a professor of communication and political science.
In a letter, Penn President Amy Gutmann informed the school community that Price will advise her during a search for a new provost. She expects a decision to be made prior to Price's departure.
"[Price] has brought extraordinary leadership and vision--as well as grace and good humor--to our academic enterprise," she wrote. "[He] helped recruit exceptional deans and faculty members while advancing initiatives to diversify the faculty, develop new forms of teaching and learning, expand Penn’s global engagement (including our new Penn Wharton China Center and Perry World House), and enhance arts and culture on campus."
David Rubenstein, chair of Duke’s Board of Trustees, praised Price for his distinguished academic career and leadership.
“Duke has been fortunate in its history to have had a tradition of gifted leaders and educators serve as president," Rubenstein said. "As will be apparent to the members of the Duke community as they get to know him, Vince Price is certain to be within this long tradition."
Price was introduced to the Duke community on Friday and focused on his experience working with China and a continued effort toward diversity and inclusion in his address.
"[Duke is] a very special place where innovation is fueled by creativity, and continually informed by rigorous and groundbreaking scholarship," Price said. "Most important, it’s a place deeply dedicated to improving our world through research, service and education."
Price will replace Richard H. Brodhead on July 1, 2017.