Meet the Provost
Dr. Sophia Maggelakis became the first woman to serve as Provost and Executive Vice President at Wentworth Institute of Technology in August 2022.
As the university’s chief academic officer, Dr. Maggelakis oversees all undergraduate and graduate academic programs, research initiatives, and key academic and administrative units. These include military educational services, institutional effectiveness and planning, co-op and career services, workforce development and professional education, the university library, the Center for Advancing Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship, and the Registrar’s Office.
Dr. Maggelakis came to Wentworth from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where she served as Dean of the College of Science for thirteen years, following nine years as Head of the School of Mathematical Sciences. She was honored with the titles of Dean Emerita and Professor Emerita in recognition of her leadership and service.
A collaborative and visionary leader, she is known for championing faculty, staff, and student success. At RIT, she led several high-impact initiatives, including the founding of the School of Mathematical Sciences, the Summer Mathematics Institute, Women in Science (WISe), CASTLE, and the Integrated Sciences Academy. In 2016, she received RIT’s Edwina Award for advancing gender inclusiveness and diversity.
An accomplished educator and researcher in mathematical biology, Dr. Maggelakis is a recipient of the Eisenhart Award for Outstanding Teaching and was named a Faculty for the 21st Century by Project Kaleidoscope. Her scholarly work includes book chapters, peer-reviewed publications, and numerous conference presentations.
Under her leadership, RIT’s College of Science launched two Ph.D. programs—Mathematical Modeling and Physics—as well as new degrees in Physics, Neuroscience, and Data Science. She guided the implementation of a strategic plan, oversaw significant lab renovations, and helped elevate the college as a national leader in undergraduate research. She also established a new college structure with six schools and seven research centers, and she secured a $5 million gift to name the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences.
At Wentworth, Dr. Maggelakis is focused on advancing academic excellence and creating an inclusive, dynamic academic environment. Her key initiatives include advancing the value of a well-rounded education that integrates the sciences, arts, and humanities; strengthening student-faculty connections; expanding experiential learning and undergraduate research opportunities; developing undergraduate and graduate programs in strategic areas; enhancing research and scholarship in core disciplines and interdisciplinary fields; and forming strategic partnerships with industry leaders and nonprofit organizations.