WU promotes heads of international affairs, admissions to vice chancellors

Washington University created two new vice chancellor positions Monday to offer promotions to men who have each been at the school for more than a decade.

Both former associate vice chancellors, James Wertsch is the new vice chancellor for international affairs and John Berg is the new vice chancellor for admissions, effective immediately.

“They’re being promoted because those two positions have increasingly been an important part of everything we do,” Steve Givens, associate vice chancellor for public affairs said. “We’ve elevated their positions to vice chancellor level, but their responsibilities will be the same.”

Wersch and Berg both have extensive history with the University.

Wertsch has led the McDonnell International Scholars Academy since its inception in 2005. The academy recruits outstanding graduates of partner institutions from around the world for Ph.D. or other professional degree programs.

“Nobody else in the United States or the world has a set of institutional relationships like we do at the McDonnell Academy,” Wertsch said.

Wertsch joined the faculty of Arts & Sciences in 1995 as professor and chair of the Department of Education. In this role, he served as a major contributor to the development of various areas of research and teaching in Arts & Sciences.

Assistant Vice Chancellor Rob Wild believes Wertsch’s promotion represents the importance of the work Wertsch has done in today’s global context.

“As the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, having a strong global footprint has become a major factor of importance for us,” Wild said. “Having a vice chancellor who is ultimately responsible for our global engagement signals how important it is not only to the trustees but for the future of Washington University, that we’re visible in the world.”

“It doesn’t change the job so much, but it does signal to the University and the community how seriously we’re taking international issues,” Wertsch agreed.

Berg started his career at the University in 1987 as the assistant to Chancellor William H. Danforth. Two years later, he became associate vice chancellor for finance and remained in that position until 1994, when he became associate vice chancellor of admissions.

He could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Wild credits Berg’s promotion to his work in helping to build and strengthen the University’s student body during his tenure.

“The promotion just really recognizes how successful he has been during his tenure leading undergraduate admissions,” Wild said. “[There’s] nothing more important than getting the right students through the door, and John Berg has brought the top undergrads in America here.”

With additional reporting by Adam Cohen-Nowack.