W. Mark Saltzman Reappointed as Jonathan Edwards College Head
Big news for Yale's tight-knit college system: W. Mark Saltzman, a recognized figure in engineering and education, is returning as the next head of Jonathan Edwards College. The official word came from Yale College Dean Pericles Lewis on March 27, 2025, stirring a buzz among students and faculty who remember Saltzman's previous tenure. He’s set to start a fresh three-year term as of July 1, 2025, stepping into a role that’s more than just administrative—it’s about shaping day-to-day life and community spirit within the iconic residential college.
Saltzman isn’t a new face at Yale. He’s been with the university since 2002, making a mark not just as an academic but also as a community builder. In fact, he was head of Jonathan Edwards College from 2016 to 2022, and recently filled in as the interim head when the previous leader left mid-year. If you ask around, you’ll hear stories from students about his hands-on approach—hosting events, supporting arts and sports, and helping students navigate college life’s ups and downs. This isn’t just an ivory-tower gig; for Saltzman, it’s personal. As he put it himself, returning to JE feels like coming home to “scholarship, camaraderie, artistry, and friendship.”
At Yale, the head of college isn’t just a figurehead. This person runs the show on everything from academic guidance to cultural programming, truly acting as the heartbeat of the residential community. Saltzman will oversee not just operations but also foster traditions and connections that make college life memorable—think study breaks, art nights, and those candid hallway conversations that end up shaping careers and friendships alike.
A Storied Career in Engineering and Education
If you’re wondering what Saltzman brings to the table aside from experience, check his resume. He’s the Goizueta Foundation Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Yale’s School of Engineering & Applied Science—a mouthful, but it means he’s at the forefront of biomedical research and teaching. He’s got dual roles in chemical engineering and is also tied to key departments at Yale School of Medicine, focusing on cellular and molecular physiology and dermatology. This cross-department synergy is why Yale taps him for leadership: he collaborates with physicians and scientists, bringing practical, real-world impact to the classroom and the lab alike.
On top of that, Saltzman launched and chaired Yale’s Department of Biomedical Engineering in 2003, guiding it until 2015. He’s mentored dozens of future scientists and engineers, pushing them to tackle tough problems in healthcare and technology. His reputation isn’t just built on publications—it’s built on connections with students and colleagues, and his knack for bridging disciplines in a way that’s rare at elite universities.
Saltzman’s role back at JE College won’t be limited to the classroom or faculty meetings. Expect him to pop up at student theater performances or late-night pancake breakfasts—he’s known for getting involved where students are, not just where the policy meetings happen.
And he’s not coming alone. His wife, Pavlak, will step in as associate head of college. She’s no stranger to education, having taught elementary students in Santa Fe in two languages before heading east to earn advanced degrees from Columbia and Boston College. Her background in bilingual education and diverse classrooms means the Saltzman family will bring even more breadth to the college’s cultural life. Their kids—Noa, Willa, and Lulu—round out the crew, promising to make the head-of-college house at JE a lively spot.
Members of the Yale community—and especially those connected to Jonathan Edwards College—are looking forward to Saltzman's return. After years of leadership, innovation, and hands-on involvement, his renewed role ensures that the college will continue to thrive as a place where students feel supported both academically and personally. With a proven leader at the helm, JE College is set for a new chapter that blends tradition with fresh perspective, making it a standout in the Yale experience.