This morning, President Cabrera announced that he has selected Lehigh University’s Engineering Dean, David Wu, to fill the position of provost starting July 1.

Wu is Dean and the Lee Iacocca Professor in the Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Lehigh University. He has had a 27 year career at Lehigh and has been the dean of the college since 2004. In his 10 years as dean, Wu has acquired $100 million annually in financial resources,  participated in the fundraising and completion of an integrated science, technology, environment and policy building and created alliances with the Mayo Clinic in a healthcare initiative and major technology firms to help shape the college’s academic goals to create career-ready graduates.

Wu received his PhD from Pennsylvania State University in operations analysis and specialized in optimization, game theory, and statistical analysis. He has also served as a visiting professor at the University of Pennsylvania and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Cabrera commented in a press release on Wu’s qualities that uniquely qualified him for the position.

“Dr. Wu is a leader who understands what it takes to build a great university in today’s competitive marketplace,” said Ángel Cabrera, Mason president. “His values and background are a perfect fit for an innovative and inclusive university-like Mason with a strategic commitment to growing our research portfolio, facilitating access to a diverse student body and providing a transformational learning experience to our students.”

Wu will succeed current provost, Peter Stearns, who has held the position for 14 years. Stearns helped guide the university through increases in academic standards and growth in research and enrollment. He also  played an active role in helping create Mason’s 10-year strategic plan. Stearns will continue to teach History at Mason after stepping down from his position.

In the press release, Wu showed his excitement to be a part of the Mason community.

“I am thrilled to join the George Mason community and excited about the opportunity to work with President Cabrera and his team,” Wu said. “I admire the great accomplishments by Peter Stearns and am humbled by the big shoes I must now fill.”

For more information about David Wu, check out Fourth Estate’s article on his presentation to Mason’s provost search committee in February.