Judith Rodin

Judith Rodin 2011

Judith Rodin (born September 9, 1944) is an American psychologist and philanthropist. She is known for her pioneering work in the field of health psychology and for her leadership roles in various academic and philanthropic institutions.

Early Life and Education

Judith Rodin was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She earned her B.A. in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1966. She then went on to receive her Ph.D. in psychology from Columbia University in 1970.

Academic Career

Rodin began her academic career as a faculty member at New York University. She later joined the faculty at Yale University, where she became the first woman to chair the Department of Psychology. Her research focused on the psychological and biological factors that influence health and behavior, particularly in the areas of obesity, eating disorders, and aging.

Presidency at the University of Pennsylvania

In 1994, Rodin became the first female president of the University of Pennsylvania. During her tenure, she implemented significant changes that improved the university's financial stability, academic reputation, and community engagement. She launched the West Philadelphia Initiatives, a series of programs aimed at revitalizing the neighborhoods surrounding the university.

The Rockefeller Foundation

After leaving the University of Pennsylvania in 2004, Rodin became the president of the Rockefeller Foundation. Under her leadership, the foundation focused on issues such as climate change, resilience, and urbanization. She stepped down from this role in 2017.

Awards and Honors

Rodin has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to psychology, education, and philanthropy. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Institute of Medicine.

Personal Life

Rodin is married to Paul Verkuil, a legal scholar and former president of the College of William & Mary. They have one son.

Selected Publications

• The Power of Impact Investing: Putting Markets to Work for Profit and Global Good (2014)
• Resilience: Why Things Bounce Back (2012)

See Also

• Health psychology
• University of Pennsylvania
• Rockefeller Foundation