Boston, MA – February 2, 2009 – Wentworth Institute of Technology President Zorica Pantić has announced the appointment of Dr. Russell Pinizzotto as the next vice president for academic affairs and provost. He brings over 22 years of experience in academia as an administrator, educator, and innovator. Previously, Dr. Pinizzotto served as the dean of the faculty of science and engineering at Merrimack College in North Andover, Mass. He will begin on March 2, 2009.

“Dr. Pinizzotto’s proven leadership, collaboration skills, and advocacy for students and faculty will be an incredible asset to Wentworth,” said Dr. Pantić. “He is clearly passionate about the importance of education, and his past involvement with strategic planning will further advance Wentworth’s leadership position in engineering, technology, and design education. We are excited to have him join Wentworth’s administration team.”

As the vice president for academic affairs and provost, Dr. Pinizzotto is the chief academic officer for the Institute and is responsible for all academic affairs related to undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs. He will provide leadership and vision in enhancing the excellence of existing, nationally-recognized undergraduate programs and in guiding the development of new degree offerings. The provost reports to the president and is a member of the President’s Advisory Council.

In addition to Dr. Pinizzotto’s work as an academic dean for four years at Merrimack College, he served as the interim provost for one year. Prior to Merrimack, he spent four years as the dean of the Missouri Academy of Science, Mathematics and Computing, and for 13 years he was a professor of materials science and physics at the University of North Texas. Before his career in higher education, Dr. Pinizzotto worked in industry as an entrepreneur, founding a technical consulting services firm, and he was also employed by Texas Instruments as a senior member of the technical staff.

Dr. Pinizzotto is an established research scientist and he has over 80 peer-reviewed articles published in professional science and education journals. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Chemistry from California Institute of Technology (1972) and an Engineer’s Degree and Doctorate in Materials Science from the University of California at Los Angeles (1977 and 1978).

“I look forward to joining Wentworth and working closely with faculty and students - leading and inspiring the faculty and enhancing the student-centered learning environment,” said Dr. Pinizzotto. “As Wentworth continues to provide a high quality education in the incredibly important academic disciplines and industries that fuel our economy, many interesting opportunities exist to address industry needs and prepare students for entering into meaningful and rewarding careers.”

Dr. Pinizzotto was appointed to the position after a comprehensive national search. He will take over for Dr. Michael Kupferman, who has served as interim vice president for academic affairs and provost since May 2008.

Wentworth Institute of Technology
Founded in 1904, Wentworth Institute of Technology is an independent, co-educational nationally ranked institution offering career-focused education through 14 bachelor degree programs in areas such as architecture, computer science and systems, construction management, design, engineering, engineering technology, environmental science, and management. For over a century, Wentworth has been a leader in technical education known for its academic excellence, community service, and support for the economic growth of the region. For more information, please visit www.wit.edu.