How to Build a Research University

Paul W. Ludden is SMU’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Formerly dean of the College of Natural Resources at the University of California, Berkeley, Dr. Ludden also is a scholar in environmental biochemistry and holds a tenured professorship in the Department of Biological Sciences. As the University’s chief academic officer, he oversees all aspects of academic life, ranging from admissions and faculty development to supervision of SMU’s seven schools, library system, and international programs.

A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, Ludden received his B.S. degree in chemistry from the University of Nebraska in 1972 and his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1977. After a Rockefeller postdoctoral fellowship at Michigan State University, he served as an assistant professor at the University of California-Riverside. In 1981 he returned to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he rose to the rank of full professor.

In 2002 Ludden joined UC, Berkeley as dean of the College of Natural Resources and professor of plant and microbial biology. An expert on microbial biochemistry, Ludden with his students has published more than 175 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters. His work was chosen by the NIH for a 10-year Merit Award that provides support for his laboratory. 

His contributions to the profession include serving as panel manager for the USDA Competitive Grants Panel; as co-chair of the Board of Examiners for the Graduate Record Examination in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology; and as a member of the NIH Microbial Physiology and Genetics Study Section. Ludden has served on numerous other university, government and business advisory boards and panels.