Lee GS ’99 named next U. provost, first Asian-American to hold post

Economics and Wilson School professor David Lee GS ’99 has been selected to serve as the University’s next provost effective July 1, the University announced Wednesday morning.

Lee will be the first Asian-American to hold the post, as well as the highest-ranking Asian-American in the University administration. He will succeed Christopher Eisgruber ’83, who will become the University’s 20th president on July 1.

“It was definitely not on my mind when I came to Princeton, and it was an unexpected turn of events,” Lee said of his appointment. “I love being a professor at Princeton, and when Chris asked me if I’d be interested, the more I learned about the position, I realized that this would be a fantastic way to serve the University. It will be very different [from teaching] obviously, and it’s a very exciting opportunity.”

Lee explained that, as with any large organization, one of his first priorities will be to learn about what makes the University so successful and the administration’s role in that success. "It’s going to be a learning process and I’m going to really try to get to that point and get up to speed with everything as soon as possible," he said.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard University, Lee came to Princeton to pursue a master’s degree and then Ph.D. in economics. He joined the economics department and the Wilson School in 2007.

Lee has worked with Eisgruber in several capacities, including his roles as a member of the Priorities Committee from 2008 to 2010 and as the chair of the search committee for the new Wilson School dean that ultimately appointed current Dean of the Wilson School Cecilia Rouse in 2012.

In searching for his successor, Eisgruber said he wanted someone who was both a superb scholar and had administrative skill.

“I wanted somebody who was collegial and could be a good partner to me, to other members of the president’s cabinet, to staff and faculty throughout the University, and I wanted somebody who could both be on mission and committed to the University’s values at all times and also be an independent voice in conversations about questions of University policies,” Eisgruber said.

Lee’s work as a labor economist studying human capital makes him further equipped for the job, as, according to Eisgruber, it is directly relevant to the work he will be doing as provost.

Rouse also said that Lee’s academic experience, particularly his ability to derive insight from data, would guide his decision-making as provost.

“I think he understands the institution. [His previous role as professor] will play in ... understanding the many demands on the faculty and what makes a wonderful faculty member,” Rouse said of Lee’s previous work as a student and professor at the University.

According to Lee, one of his most transformative experiences as a graduate student at the University was meeting an advisor who expressed a genuine interest in his students and peers.

Get the best of the ‘Prince’ delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now »

“I think that really was part of the Princeton experience for me — that close interaction between faculty and students — and I’ve been fortunate to be on both sides of that interaction,” Lee said.

Lee said that he will not continue to teach once he assumes his new role, as he will focus on learning how the University runs. However, he noted that he would not rule out returning to teaching in the future as Eisgruber has done.

Associate News Editor Catherine Ku contributed reporting.