Colorado School of Mines Appoints Dr. Stefanie Tompkins as New Provost.

Colorado School of Mines has appointed Dr. Stefanie Tompkins as its new Provost, effective May 12, 2025. Tompkins previously served as the 23rd director of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where she led $4 billion-plus transformative research efforts. As Provost, Tompkins will shape faculty, students, and academic programs to maintain the university's excellence in producing talent and innovation. She previously served as Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at Mines.

The Colorado School of Mines (CSM) has announced the appointment of Dr. Stefanie Tompkins as its new Provost, effective May 12, 2025 [1]. With a distinguished career in scientific research, public service, and executive leadership, Dr. Tompkins brings a wealth of experience to Mines.

Most recently, Dr. Tompkins served as the 23rd Director of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where she led transformative research efforts worth over $4 billion. During her tenure, she oversaw initiatives to broaden DARPA's reach and stimulate growth and collaboration with small businesses and education institutions new to the national security space [1].

Before returning to DARPA, Dr. Tompkins served as Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at CSM. Her experience in executive leadership roles at DARPA, including Deputy Director of the Strategic Technology Office, Chief of Staff, and Director of the Defense Sciences Office, will be invaluable in her new role as Provost.

As Provost, Dr. Tompkins will be responsible for shaping the faculty, students, and academic programs at CSM to maintain its excellence in producing talent and innovation. She will also lead enrollment management, initiatives to increase student retention, graduation, and success, and Mines' new facilities and programs related to innovation and entrepreneurship.

"We are thrilled to welcome Stefanie back to Colorado School of Mines in this very important leadership role," said Mines President Paul C. Johnson [1]. "Stefanie's extensive executive leadership experience in a technology innovation-focused organization like DARPA is what Mines needs now."

Dr. Tompkins expressed her excitement about returning to CSM as Provost, stating, "Mines is an extraordinary institution, known for its rigorous academic programs, world-class faculty, and commitment to innovation" [1].

References:
[1] GlobeNewswire. Colorado School of Mines names Dr. Stefanie Tompkins as new Provost. February 11, 2025. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/02/11/3024663/0/en/Colorado-School-of-Mines-names-Dr-Stefanie-Tompkins-as-new-Provost.html