Janet Lavin Rapelye named dean of admission at Princeton

Janet Lavin Rapelye, dean of admission at Wellesley College for the past 12 years and a highly respected national leader in the field of college admission, has been named dean of admission at Princeton University, effective July 1.

She will succeed Fred Hargadon, who is retiring after 35 years in the field, including the last 15 at Princeton. The appointment was made by the executive committee of the Board of Trustees, on the recommendation of President Shirley M. Tilghman.

"Our goal was to appoint a dean who, in the tradition of Fred Hargadon, will provide stellar leadership for Princeton's admission process, especially as we increase the size of our undergraduate student body; who will sustain and enhance Princeton's reputation for excellence, both in and outside the classroom; who will help us reach out broadly to exceptional students from a wide range of backgrounds and interests; and who will make important contributions to the national discussion of admission issues," Tilghman said.

"I believe that Janet Rapelye will do all of these things exceedingly well," she said. "There is no one at Princeton who plays a more central role than the dean of admission in shaping the future of this University. Janet brings outstanding personal qualities as well as distinguished professional achievement to this position, and I am delighted that she has agreed to take on these enormously important responsibilities."

The full story is available in a news release.

Contact: Eric Quinones (609) 258-3601