Annenberg School Dean: Michael X. Delli Carpini

Dr. Michael X. Delli Carpini, a scholar in American politics, public-opinion research and mass media, has been named the Walter H. Annenberg Dean of the Annenberg School for Communication, President Judith Rodin announced Friday.

Dr. Delli Carpini currently serves as director of the public policy program of the Pew Charitable Trusts.

"I am delighted to announce Michael's appointment as dean of Penn's Annenberg School. His impressive record of accomplishments in both the academic and public-policy arenas will serve the School well as we build it into an ever stronger institution," Dr. Rodin said. "Having him on our team at Penn is all the more satisfying because it is a return 'home' for Michael, who is a Penn alum."

In Dr. Delli Carpini's leadership role at the Pew Charitable Trusts, he worked to advance and to sustain improvements in American democratic life by implementing and overseeing initiatives that enhance participation in civic life, renewing the quality and meaning of campaigns and elections and improving government.

His impact on the American democratic process is complemented by his academic successes. Before arriving at Pew in 1999, Dr. Delli Carpini joined the political science faculty at Barnard College in 1987 and was named department chair in 1995. He also spent six years, beginning in 1996, as a member of the Graduate Faculty of Columbia University. From 1980-87, he served as assistant professor of political science at Rutgers University.

Dr. Delli Carpini has authored four books, most recently What Americans Know About Politics and Why It Matters. He has also published dozens of journal articles, essays and panel papers on a variety of political and public-policy topics.

He earned both a B.A. in English literature and an M.A. In political science from Penn in 1975. He earned his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Minnesota in 1980.

"Penn is fortunate to have someone of Michael's academic caliber join us to lead the Annenberg School," said Provost Robert Barchi. "He will bring to this job a depth of knowledge and expertise that will further enhance the School's already stellar international reputation." Dr. Kathleen Hall Jamieson has guided the School for 14 years; during her tenure as dean, the School received $350 million in endowments from Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg and the Annenberg Foundation.