Marwan A. Wafa will step down as vice chancellor and dean at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus on June 30 to become chancellor of Pennsylvania State University’s Worthington Scranton campus, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Chancellor Charles R. Bantz announced.

Since Wafa arrived at IUPUC in 2009, the number of bachelor's and master's degrees conferred has increased over 211 percent, from 80 in 2010 to 249 in 2014,  and new Office of Student Affairs was created, which substantially improved and upgraded the quality of life with a focus toward creating a more residential experience for students.

Additionally, Wafa worked with administrative and faculty leaders to add and/or receive authorization to offer complete degree programs and concentrations at IUPUC including a Bachelor of Science in nursing, Master of Science in mental health counseling and Bachelor of Arts in English and communication studies, as well as minors in 15 academic areas. Wafa also created IUPUC’s first strategic plan that reflects the needs of the region and emphasizes the uniqueness of its learning environment.

“Marwan has made an indelible impact at IUPUC over the last six years. I want to thank him for his contributions, insight and commitment to higher education,” Bantz said.

Over the summer months, IUPUI Executive Vice Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar will meet with the IUPUC community to discuss the appointing of an interim vice chancellor and dean as well as other topics of interest. IUPUC primarily serves students who live in Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Johnson, Ripley, Shelby and other counties in Southern Indiana.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have been of service to IUPUC and the region,” Wafa said. “I am proud of what our faculty and staff have been able to achieve during the past six years to help address higher educational needs of South Central Indiana. I wish IUPUC continued progress and growth.”