Penn State commonwealth campus leader leaves for College of New Jersey

Penn State’s vice president for commonwealth campuses and executive chancellor Margo DelliCarpini is set to depart the university to accept a position at a different school.

She will leave Penn State effective June 30 to take on a new position as the provost and vice president for academic affairs at the College of New Jersey, the university announced Tuesday. The college is in Ewing Township near Trenton, N.J.

“Leaving Penn State is bittersweet, as I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside talented colleagues and dedicated students who make this institution so special,” DelliCarpini said. “While it is difficult to say goodbye, this new opportunity will allow me to be closer to family.”

DelliCarpini has served in her role at Penn State since October 2023, overseeing the university’s 20 commonwealth campuses, which collectively enroll nearly 24,000 students across Pennsylvania.

Penn State said during her tenure, “she has worked to enhance academic and administrative programs, support student success initiatives and foster greater collaboration across campuses.”

In her new role in New Jersey, DelliCarpini will lead academic affairs, drive strategic planning and manage resource allocation.

“She will provide support to more than 360 full-time faculty and librarians across eight schools, supervising over 160 degree programs and key initiatives focused on academic integrity, faculty development and student success,” Penn State said.

DelliCarpini has worked to streamline operations and reduce costs at Penn State commonwealth campuses leading up to the end of her tenure.

In February, Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi announced some of its commonwealth campuses will close, and all four in Southwestern Pennsylvania — New Kensington, Fayette, Greater Allegheny and Beaver — are at risk.

“I will always be grateful for my time at Penn State, and I look forward to seeing the future commonwealth campus ecosystem being in a position to foster opportunity and supporting student growth across the university,” DelliCarpini said.