The Colorado School of Mines has named Stefanie Tompkins as its new provost, effective May 12. Tompkins previously served as the 23rd director of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and has a background in scientific research, public service and executive leadership.
Tompkins is familiar with Mines, having held the position of vice president for research and technology transfer before her tenure at DARPA. As director of DARPA, she oversaw a complex organization with a budget exceeding $4 billion, focusing on advancing breakthrough technologies for national security. During her leadership, DARPA launched DARPAConnect, aimed at fostering collaboration with small businesses and educational institutions in the national security sector. Her prior roles at DARPA include deputy director of the strategic technology office, chief of staff, and director of the defense sciences office.
As provost, Tompkins will shape the faculty, students and academic programs to support Mines’ mission of producing talent and innovations required by industry and society. The Provost’s Office is also responsible for enrollment management and initiatives aimed at increasing student retention, graduation rates and success, along with overseeing new facilities and programs related to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Tompkins earned a PhD and MS in geology from Brown University, and a BA in geology and geophysics from Princeton University. Before joining DARPA, she served as a military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army and has significant experience in industry and government research organizations. Tompkins succeeds Richard C. Holz as Mines provost; Holz announced in Summer 2024 that he would step down after five years in the role to return to teaching and research in the Department of Chemistry at Mines.
