Office of the President

WPI president grace wang standing outside campus building

Grace J. Wang, PhD

A materials scientist and highly accomplished and collaborative leader in higher education, government, and industry, Grace J. Wang, PhD, began her term as the 17th president of WPI on April 3, 2023. 
Learn more about the career path that led Grace to WPI. 
 

"In a community where transforming lives is as much about student well-being as it is about our distinctive project-based education and purpose-driven research, I have found my place, my home, as WPI’s 17th president." - Grace J. Wang

 

CONTACT
Location: Boynton Hall
Office Location: 1st floor
Phone: 508-831-5200
Preview Grace Wang on stage at formal inauguration ceremonies

Grace J. Wang, PhD, Formally Installed as WPI's 17th President

WPI celebrated the inauguration of Grace J. Wang, PhD, on March 22, 2024. The ceremony was attended by faculty, staff, and students; delegates from more than 30 colleges and universities and learned societies; federal, state and local dignitaries; and special guests.

Read about President Grace Wang's Inauguration Watch Inauguration Highlights
Preview Two students, one in red top and one in yellow top, sit talking with President Wang at a conference table

Moving Forward Together

Read President Wang's message to the community when she took the helm on April 3, 2023. 

Read President Wang's Message
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President Wang Shares Her Thoughts in Q&A

In a Q&A with WPI's Journal, President Wang shared her excitement for working with the campus community to advance WPI's strengths in purpose-driven education and research.

Read the Q&A

President Wang's First Year and Beyond: Leading and Connecting

Since taking the helm in April of 2023, President Wang has been involved in many of WPI's events and activities—deepening her connections with the WPI community and planning for WPI's future endeavors. 

"All my interactions and listening have deepened my understanding of our history, culture, and community and excited me for what’s ahead." —President Grace J. Wang
students standing around

President Wang met with students during one of WPI's Wellness Days.

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The School of Arts & Sciences holds "Arts & Sciences Week," featuring panel discussions and other activities related to important topics affecting society.

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President Wang held her first town hall for faculty and staff soon after taking over as president.

two people sitting at table

WPI and Holy Cross announced a new partnership to develop innovative dual degree programs.

Theory and Practice: Our Founding Tradition Since 1865

The nation’s third-oldest private technological university, WPI was founded amid the bustle of the American Industrial Revolution. Our distinctive approach to education began with a compromise that led to a breakthrough: combining a college that would provide a scientific education to young people destined for emerging technical careers with a school that could elevate the traditional apprenticeship system for mechanics and other technical tradespeople. By blending these visions, WPI created a new approach to higher education unlike any that had come before—one that combined theory with practice. This Two Towers Tradition has guided the university for more than 150 years.

University History
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Worcester Business Journal
2024 Power 100: Grace Wang

President Grace Wang has been named to Worcester Business Journal's Power 100, a list of influential professionals in Central Massachusetts. Wang was recognized in part for her work to cultivate connections between academic research and innovative real-world solutions.

 

 

Worcester Polytechnic Institute inaugurates Grace Wang as its 17th president

Various news outlets reported on the inauguration of President Grace J. Wang, PhD. Wang told Spectrum News 1 she plans to further grow WPI as a technology and talent hub for the region.

In an interview with The Worcester Guardian, Wang expanded on WPI's potential to enhance the region's innovation economy.

WBUR, Boston's NPR News Station, also highlighted the inauguration in a roundup of stories in its local newscasts.

 

Inside the Corner Office
Inside the Corner Office: Dr. Grace Wang, President of Worcester Polytechnic Institute

WPI President Grace Wang was a guest on the The New England Council’s “Inside the Corner Office” podcast. In her podcast appearance, Wang highlights WPI’s innovation in areas such as AI and robotics while also touting the university’s work around diversity and inclusion. She also shares her vision for WPI’s continued growth and discusses higher education’s role in advancing economic equity.