UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Dr. Bruce Kraut has been named senior director of University Health Services (UHS) at Penn State, effective Sept. 15.
Kraut comes to Penn State with a strong physician and administrative background after eight years as the medical director and a senior administrator at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, where he directed health care delivery to a diverse population of students, staff and faculty.
“I am honored, privileged and humbled to have been granted this extraordinary opportunity to bring my combined passions for academia and medicine to the role of senior director of University Health Services,” Kraut said. “It is especially gratifying to be asked to join such a dedicated team within Student Affairs to help ensure the success of every student’s unique mission at Penn State and to promote the values of this iconic institution, in particular the value of 'community,' which I share deeply. My family and I are proud to join the chorus of voices across this great university in proclaiming that ‘We Are … Penn State.’”
Prior to his role as medical director at The Lawrenceville School, Kraut spent nearly 20 years as director and lead physician of a pediatric practice in Ocala, Florida. In his last three years of private practice, he also served as the chief of pediatrics for Munroe Regional Medical Center, the flagship community hospital for Marion County, Florida, which included the oversight of inpatient, outpatient and emergency pediatric services for the hospital. In this role, Kraut also collaborated on community health initiatives with the Marion County Health Department, community practices, and regional hospitals and health care networks.
In addition to his experience as a physician, Kraut brings a wealth of administrative experience with him to Penn State. In previous roles, he’s overseen operations, including medical policies, billing and financial sustainability, insurance negotiations, compliance, and navigating diverse models of health care delivery.
Kraut earned his doctor of medicine degree from Emory University’s School of Medicine, and he completed his internship and residency in pediatrics through the University of New Mexico Hospital. Outside of the medical field, Kraut earned a doctorate in classics from Princeton University and has held teaching positions in classics at the University of Georgia and the University of Florida.
"Bruce's experience, intellect, care and passion for the health and wellness of students are unquestionable," said Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs. "We are eager for his leadership and partnership, and I am confident our expanding commitment to student wellness, in all its dimensions, will benefit significantly from his contributions to the Penn State community."
Kraut succeeds Micah Griffin, who served as senior director of UHS from January to November 2021. Andrea Dowhower, associate vice president for Student Affairs, has served as the interim senior director since November 2021.
UHS, a unit of Student Affairs, is a primary care, on-campus health care service offering medical, pharmacy, physical therapy, insurance, lab, imaging, medical records and emergency services.