University of Utah Provost Mitzi M. Montoya announced today that Peter Trapa has accepted an offer to serve as the inaugural vice provost and senior dean of the Colleges and Schools of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). Trapa, who currently serves as dean of the College of Science, will begin his new role on March 15, 2025.
As the first to hold this newly created position, Trapa will provide strategic advancement and management of the College of Humanities, College of Science, College of Social and Behavioral Science and the School for Cultural & Social Transformation. Together, these units form the cornerstone of enrollment at the U, positioning Trapa to play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience of students across disciplines.
Trapa has been a dedicated member of the U community for more than two decades, building a strong record of leadership experience and research excellence. Before serving as dean of the College of Science, he chaired both the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Physics & Astronomy. He has also served as a presidential fellow under former U President David Pershing and was named Fellow of the American Mathematical Society.
During his tenure as dean, Trapa led the merging of the College of Science and the College of Mines and Earth Sciences, a move designed to elevate research and create innovative new degrees in strategic areas of growth. Since the merger, the college has made strides toward advancing student success by implementing programs such as the Science Research Initiative, which provides experiential learning opportunities to majors. He also designed and implemented a robust shared-services model across the merged college, streamlining administrative support while enhancing academic resources. In addition, Trapa spearheaded efforts to secure $99 million in funding for the Applied Science Project, set to open in July 2025. The buildings will house the Department of Physics & Astronomy, the Department of Atmospheric Sciences and the Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy.
“Dr. Trapa is a strategic leader who deeply understands how the liberal arts and sciences advance student success and the university’s research enterprise,” Montoya said. “His leadership in the merger of the College of Science and the College of Mines and Earth Sciences demonstrates his ability to drive complex institutional change with vision and inclusivity. I look forward to working with him as he collaborates with the LAS deans to advance interdisciplinary education, strengthen research opportunities and amplify the university’s impact in alignment with the Impact 2030 strategic plan.”
Trapa was selected after an internal search chaired by Keith Diaz Moore, associate provost for institutional design and strategy.
“I’m grateful for the strong pool of internal candidates who applied for this new role,” Montoya said. “I was impressed by their ideas and their desire to help direct meaningful change.”
As the university continues to elevate its national profile, Trapa’s leadership will be essential in shaping the future of the liberal arts and sciences and advancing its role in fulfilling the university’s mission to drive unsurpassed societal impact. As vice provost and senior dean, Trapa will work closely with the LAS deans to develop a shared vision for the liberal arts and sciences at the U. He will also play a key role in optimizing resources, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and ensuring that students and faculty in these units have the support they need to thrive.
“I am deeply honored to step into this new role at such a pivotal time for the University of Utah,” said Trapa. “The liberal arts and sciences provide an essential foundation for innovation, critical thinking and societal progress. I am committed to leading this effort in partnership with our exceptional students, staff and faculty, whose talents and dedication are vital to our education and research missions. Together, with the LAS deans, we will strengthen our academic programs and advance student success at the U.”