Penn State University on Thursday appointedNeeli Bendapudi as its 19th president and its first woman president in its166-year-history. She will be both the first woman, and person of colour, tohold the university’s highest office.
Bendapudi was born in India andmoved to the United States to attend graduate school at the University ofKansas where she earned her Ph.D. She is an American academic and the 18thpresident of the University of Louisville. Ms. Bendapudi completed her BA& MBA from Andhra University, Vizag. With a nearly 30-year career inacademia, she has taught marketing and served in a variety of administrativeroles over the years.
Previously, she served as chief customerofficer of The Huntington National Bank and was actively involved in businessoutreach through consulting and executive education programs. Her work has beenfeatured by popular media outlets including The New York Times, CNBC, CNN,MSNBC, WebMD and Fox News Network.
Neeli Bendapudi, on becoming the president, said,“Penn State is a world-class university, and I couldn’t be prouder and moreexcited to join this vibrant community of outstanding students, faculty, staffand alumni throughout the commonwealth and beyond. Thank you to the Penn Statecommunity and Board of Trustees. I am grateful for this opportunity and willmake it my mission to help Penn State reach new heights across each of ourcampuses.”
Bendapudi will succeed President Eric J Barron,who will retire after serving Penn State for more than 30 years.