John D. Simon, an internationally renowned chemist and highly respected leader in higher education, is being formally installed today as Lehigh’s 14th president. The ceremony fittingly takes place on Founder’s Day, a celebratory day in Lehigh history for reflecting on founder Asa Packer’s vision. Founder’s Day 2015 also marks the kickoff of Lehigh’s Sesquicentennial.

Before assuming the Lehigh presidency on July 1, 2015, Simon served as executive vice president and provost at the University of Virginia, where he oversaw the academic administration of UVA’s 11 colleges, library system, art museums, public service activities and foreign study programs. Previously, he was Duke University’s vice provost for academic affairs.

Simon’s research interests have focused on understanding the structure and function of human pigmentation. Most recently, he collaborated with scientists to study the only known intact pigments recovered from the Jurassic period. He has authored or coauthored four books and nearly 250 academic papers.

John D. Simon
01
Teaser Image: 
John D. Simon
Position: 
1