UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) could also be one in every of Penn State’s youngest items, but it surely has grown considerably since its founding in 1999. The faculty not too long ago established its first academic departments, a milestone because it continues to mature and innovate in analysis and training amid speedy technological change. And now, IST has named three everlasting division heads to assist lead that cost.
“Creating three departments within our college has been one of the most challenging — and important — steps we have taken in our history,” stated Andrea Tapia, dean of the College of IST. “Unlike traditional academic units, we are an inherently interdisciplinary college. Our degrees, programs, student services, advising structures, research initiatives and operational support have always been shared, and that shared model is part of our identity and our strength.”
The new departments have been designed to present management, mentorship and operational high quality with out undermining the college’s interdisciplinary tradition, in accordance to Tapia.
“It is important that we protect and preserve our culture of collaboration and our ability to move quickly as cutting-edge technology and pedagogical innovators,” she stated. “We threaded a very fine needle with this change: Create enough structure to support growth and complexity, while maintaining flexibility, responsiveness and a steadfast commitment to avoiding silos.”
The new division heads will take cost of their items efficient July 1, after serving as interim leaders since July 2025.