Meet the Acting Dean

Mary Beth Williams joined the faculty of the Penn State Department of Chemistry in 2001, advancing the fields of analytical and inorganic chemistry. Her research recognitions include a Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering, a Sloan Fellowship, a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award, and a Society for Electroanalytical Chemistry Young Investigator Award.

Mary Beth is a champion for diversity and excellence in science. She was instrumental in building the Penn State Millennium Scholars Program, securing a $2.3 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to support its launch. She established the Science Dean’s Scholars Program for undergraduates coming to Penn State University Park through the 2+2 plan, supported by two NSF S-STEM grants totaling $1.6 million.

Mary Beth joined the college leadership in 2009 and has overseen undergraduate education since 2011, as well as research and administration, diversity and inclusion, and undergraduate students at the college in interim roles, and she has chaired important University-level task forces and served in leadership roles in University Faculty Senate for nine years. She brings a deep understanding of the college and Penn State, and a strategic and collaborative leadership approach, to this position.

In addition to serving as acting dean as of April 15, 2024, Mary Beth also is a professor of chemistry.

Mary Beth Williams, Acting Dean
James and Alvina Balog Faculty Fellow in Science

Eberly College of Science 
517 Thomas Building
University Park, PA 16802
Email: mew17@psu.edu
Phone: (814) 865-9591