PHILADELPHIA, PA — Thomas Jefferson University appointed Zoher F. Kapasi as its next provost effective Nov. 1, bringing an experienced health-sciences administrator into its top academic leadership as the university pursues growth across its multidisciplinary programs.
Kapasi joins Jefferson from the Medical University of South Carolina, where he served as dean of the College of Health Professions. During his tenure, the college expanded enrollment, research, academic programs and philanthropy and opened a new education and research building.
As provost, Kapasi will take a central role in Jefferson’s academic operations as the university spans health and science, architecture, design, fashion and textiles, business, engineering and the humanities.
“At a time of significant growth for our university, his extensive expertise and visionary leadership will be instrumental in advancing our academic mission,” Thomas Jefferson University President Susan C. Aldridge said.
Kapasi previously served as director and professor in the Division of Physical Therapy and vice chair for education in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine.
His research has focused on age-related changes in immune function and the effects of exercise and nutrition on the immune system. He has also published research involving rehabilitation and health sciences.
Kapasi earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical therapy from the University of Bombay in India and a doctorate in anatomy and immunobiology from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical College of Virginia. He also holds an executive MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.
He completed postdoctoral training at the Basel Institute for Immunology in Switzerland and the Medical College of Virginia.
Kapasi currently serves as treasurer of the American Physical Therapy Association’s board of directors and is a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the association. He also serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Humanities in Rehabilitation.
His academic honors include the Dean’s Teaching Award from Emory University School of Medicine and the Emory Williams Distinguished Teaching Award. He has also received the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Health Care Heroes Allied Health Professional Award.
“I look forward to partnering with our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners across our campuses as we build on Jefferson’s remarkable momentum,” Kapasi said.
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