NEW HAVEN, Conn. (Diya TV) — Yale University has appointed Sunil Amrith, a renowned Indian-American historian, as its new vice provost for international affairs. The university announced the appointment this week, marking a major step in expanding Yale’s global outreach and academic partnerships.
Amrith, who joined Yale in 2020, currently serves as the Renu and Anand Dhawan Professor of History. He also teaches at the Yale School of the Environment. With this new role, Amrith will lead Yale’s international engagement, help shape its global strategy, and support international research and collaboration.
As vice provost, Amrith will work with senior leaders, faculty, and staff across the university. His focus will be on strengthening international partnerships, enhancing global academic programs, and supporting research that addresses pressing global issues.
Yale Provost Scott Strobel, who announced the appointment, praised Amrith’s leadership. “Sunil’s background in fostering global scholarship and dialogue makes him ideally suited to this role,” Strobel said. “His ability to build bridges between disciplines and cultures is vital for Yale’s global mission.”
Amrith takes over from Steven Wilkinson, who became Dean of Yale’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences earlier this year. Before joining Yale, Amrith taught at Harvard University. There, he co-directed the Joint Center for History and Economics and served as interim director of the Mahindra Humanities Center. At Yale, he has led the Council on South Asian Studies and helped increase its global visibility.
Amrith is also the Henry R. Luce Director of the Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies. The center is Yale’s hub for international research, teaching, and partnerships. He will continue in this role alongside his new responsibilities. Amrith’s academic work focuses on migration, environmental history, and the transnational history of South and Southeast Asia. His research has gained worldwide recognition and contributed to international dialogue on global challenges.
He is a MacArthur Fellow and has received several prestigious awards. These include the 2025 Toynbee Prize, the 2024 Fukuoka Academic Prize, and the 2022 Dr. A.H. Heineken Prize for History. In 2024, he was elected an International Fellow of the British Academy. Amrith is also a well-known author. His latest book, The Burning Earth: A History, was listed as one of The New Yorker’s “Essential Reads of 2024.”
Amrith Expresses Commitment to Global Collaboration
In response to his appointment, Amrith shared his excitement. “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.”
He added that he looks forward to continuing this work and advancing Yale’s role as a leader in global learning and research. With Amrith’s leadership, Yale aims to boost its global presence and deepen its commitment to international education. His role will involve guiding global initiatives, advising on international matters, and helping prepare students to become global citizens.
Amrith’s appointment comes at a time when universities face complex global challenges. His experience in building international networks and promoting cross-cultural scholarship positions him well to lead Yale’s international strategy. Yale’s decision highlights the university’s dedication to global collaboration and academic excellence. Amrith’s leadership is expected to play a key role in shaping Yale’s future on the world stage.
