Yale University has named renowned Indian-American historian and global scholar Sunil Amrith as its new Vice Provost for International Affairs, marking a significant appointment that underscores Yale’s deepening commitment to global research, partnerships, and academic exchange.
Amrith assumes the role following Steven Wilkinson, who became Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences earlier this year.
Currently, the Renu and Anand Dhawan Professor of History at Yale, Amrith, also teaches at the Yale School of the Environment.
He brings with him a distinguished track record of advancing international dialogue and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
In addition to his new responsibilities, he will continue to serve as the Henry R. Luce Director of the Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies, Yale’s interdisciplinary hub for international teaching, research, and partnerships.
As Vice Provost, Amrith will oversee and shape Yale’s international strategy, working closely with senior university leaders, faculty, and staff to support global academic initiatives, foster international collaborations, and strengthen the university’s role in addressing urgent global challenges.
His portfolio will also include advising on international matters and advancing the university’s mission to prepare students for global citizenship.
“Sunil’s background in fostering global scholarship and dialogue makes him ideally suited to this role,” said Yale Provost Scott Strobel, who announced the appointment.
“His capacity to build bridges between disciplines, foster international exchanges, and address challenges impacting communities around the globe perfectly positions him for this work.”
Amrith expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity. “I’m deeply honored to lead Yale’s international engagement efforts,” he said.
“Since joining the university, I’ve been inspired by our ability to attract outstanding students and scholars from around the world, produce research of international significance, and facilitate meaningful exchange across societies and cultures. I look forward to continuing this work with colleagues and partners around the globe.”
Amrith joined Yale in 2020 after an impactful tenure at Harvard University, where he served as co-director of the Joint Center for History and Economics and interim director of the Mahindra Humanities Center.
At Yale, he previously chaired the Council on South Asian Studies, leading strategic initiatives to enhance global scholarship and elevate the council’s international stature.
A MacArthur Fellow, Amrith’s research focuses on migration, environmental history, and the transnational history of South and Southeast Asia.
His contributions to historical scholarship have earned him numerous accolades, including the 2025 Toynbee Prize, the 2024 Fukuoka Academic Prize, and the 2022 Dr. A.H. Heineken Prize for History.
In 2024, he was also elected an International Fellow of the British Academy, a recognition of his profound impact on the global academic landscape.
Amrith is the author of several acclaimed books, including The Burning Earth: A History, which was named one of The New Yorker’s “Essential Reads of 2024.”
With this new role, Amrith is set to shape Yale’s global vision in a time of increasing interconnectivity and international complexity.
His leadership will play a pivotal role in expanding Yale’s presence on the world stage, advancing interdisciplinary research, and cultivating global partnerships aimed at solving humanity’s most pressing challenges.
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