On June 24, the University announced Denis Fred Simon, a Penn State University international affairs professor, will become the University’s new vice provost of international affairs on Sept. 1.
An expert in Chinese business practices, Simon was a founding faculty member of Penn State’s School of International Affairs, as well as founding provost and vice president for academic affairs at the State University of New York’s Levin Graduate Institute of International Relations and Commerce. In 2006, the Chinese government honored Simon with the Chinese National Friendship Award in recognition of his efforts to strengthen U.S.-China relations in the fields of science and technology. It is the highest award the Chinese government grants to foreign experts.
“I hope to bring the University to the next level in its international engagement and evolution,” Simon said in a press release, “ensuring that our students are provided the relevant set of skills, tools and perspectives needed to live and work effectively and ethically in the globalized world of the 21st century.”
Simon will be replacing Stephen Durrant, who will be relinquishing his position on June 30 after two years as vice provost.
“Steve Durrant has done an excellent job of advancing the Office of International Affairs,” University Senior Vice President and Provost James Bean said. “We look forward to the arrival of Denis Simon, whose business and academic accomplishments in the international arena are considerable. His level of experience is expected to significantly expand the UO’s global reach.”
As head of the Office of International Affairs, Simon will be in charge of international student and scholar services, study abroad programs, the Mills International Center, AHA International, and International Advancement and Alumni Relations. More broadly, he will facilitate the University’s efforts toward global engagement and represent the University’s interests abroad.
Simon said that one of the main reasons he was attracted to the position was University President Richard Lariviere’s dedication to international matters. He also cited the University faculty’s global approach to research and teaching and the Global Oregon and Bridging the Americas programs as motivating factors.
“I also see a huge international leverage point, given Oregon’s long-term commitment to sustainability and the environment,” Simon said. “As core areas across the faculty, they have the potential to open many doors, as overseas players should be attracted to forging strong partnerships with the campus.”

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