Stony Brook University Names Executive Vice President And Provost

STONY BROOK, NY — Paul Goldbart was appointed the new executive vice president and provost of Stony Brook University, President Maurie McInnis announced earlier in the week. Goldbart is slated to assume his new position on March 22.

Goldbart is currently dean of the College of Natural Sciences, Robert E. Boyer Chair and Mary Ann Rankin Leadership Chair at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin).

As the chief academic officer at Stony Brook, Goldbart will be responsible for overseeing the university's academic mission; directly supervising all academic units; support services and operations, including enrollment management and student success; and coordinating all academic programs. In addition, the deans and directors of the colleges, schools, libraries, centers and institutes, including those in the Health Sciences Center related to non-clinical matters, will report to the provost.

"I’m a passionate advocate for public research universities such as Stony Brook University, which are crucibles of human creativity, guardians of human capability and places where students can discover who they are and how they can contribute to the world," Goldbart said via news release. "Stony Brook is a superb example, powered by its remarkable staff, students and faculty; outstanding partner organizations in the region; and passionate, dedicated alumni and friends. I feel thrilled and fortunate to be joining the community that I have long admired — and I am grateful to President McInnis and the search committee for the opportunity."

As a visionary leader, Goldbart has demonstrated success in faculty development, curricular innovation, strategic planning, fundraising, public engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion, according to the university. A theoretical physicist and scientific leader in quantum materials and soft condensed matter, Goldbart joined UT Austin in 2018 as dean of the College of Natural Sciences, overseeing one of the largest colleges in the United States, with more than 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students, accomplished faculty with grants and contracts awarded more than $110 million per year, and nationally-recognized STEM education programs.

Before UT Austin, he was at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was assistant, associate and a full professor. He played key roles in the graduate program and research growth. At the Georgia Institute of Technology, he served as department chair, and dean of the College of Sciences, and led efforts to invest in research infrastructure and core facilities.

"Dr. Goldbart is widely respected as a renowned scientist, educator and academic leader whose excellent experience in leading a large and complex college will help to build upon our performance and reputation as a leading public research university," McInnis said. "Additionally, his open and collaborative leadership style; commitment to nurturing and inspiring high-caliber instruction and assessment; and focus on an inclusive and equitable environment for faculty, staff and students will deepen connections and benefit the university community."

Goldbart received a diploma in mathematical physics and a PhD in physics from Imperial College London, MS in physics from UCLA, and BA in physics and theoretical physics from Cambridge University. He is married to Jenny Singleton. The couple has two adult children: Oliver and Greta.

Goldbart succeeds Fotis Sotiropoulos, PhD, who has served as interim provost since September 2020. Sotiropoulos will continue his role as dean of the College Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) and SUNY Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering.