Joe Helble Named President of Lehigh University

To the Dartmouth community,

I write to share the bittersweet news that our esteemed colleague and provost, Joe Helble, has been named president of Lehigh University, effective August 16. You can read Lehigh's announcement of his appointment at https://www2.lehigh.edu/news/joseph-j-helble-82-named-lehighs-15th-president and the accompanying Dartmouth News story at https://news.dartmouth.edu/news/2021/04/provost-joseph-helble-become-lehigh-university-president. 

As much as we will miss him, I couldn't be more thrilled that Joe will have the privilege of leading his alma mater – a truly special experience as I can attest.

I want to thank Joe for all he's done for Dartmouth over his many years with us. In his 13 years at Thayer, he brought national prominence to the school, making it a national leader in educating women in engineering and creating the first-ever engineering PhD innovation program in the country. Thayer's funding grew to record levels and enrollment nearly doubled during Joe's tenure. And with the West End construction nearing completion, it's safe to say that his influence will be felt in that corner of campus for a long time to come.

Yet perhaps I'm most grateful to Joe for the calm, steady leadership he's shown as provost in helping us manage through the pandemic this year – surely one of the most turbulent times in Dartmouth's history. In addition to navigating the complexities associated with keeping us operational, he played an integral role in keeping our community healthy.

I cannot help but feel that Joe's excellent work at Dartmouth, both as dean of Thayer and, subsequently, as provost, led to his selection as the 15th president of Lehigh. Suffice to say, he's has been a great partner to me and to many on the Dartmouth campus for as long as he's been with us, and I know you'll join me in giving a rouse and wishing him well at Lehigh. They surely are lucky to have him.

I will be appointing an interim provost soon to step into this important role, but anticipate a seamless transition in the days and weeks ahead.

Please join me in congratulating Joe.

Sincerely,

Philip J. Hanlon '77

President