Vice Provost and Dean, Graduate School
sclarsen@central.uh.edu

Dr. Sarah Larsen is vice provost and dean of the Graduate School at the University of Houston, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping graduate education and fostering academic excellence. Dr. Larsen holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University and has built a distinguished career as a researcher, educator, and academic leader. Prior to joining UH, she served in various leadership roles at the University of Iowa, where she worked to advance graduate education and foster interdisciplinary collaborations.

Under her leadership, UH’s Graduate School has focused on providing students with the resources they need to excel both academically and professionally, ensuring that they are prepared for leadership roles in academia, industry, and beyond. Dr. Larsen has previously served as Chair for the Association of Texas Graduate Schools and she currently is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools Advancement Advisory Committee. Dr. Larsen is a member of the Board of Trustees for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Larsen also serves as a professor in UH’s Department of Chemistry. She is a fellow of the American Chemical Society, of the Royal Society of Chemistry and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Previously, she served as Senior Editor for the Journal of Physical Chemistry.

Her commitment to student success, faculty mentorship, and cross-disciplinary collaboration has helped elevate the University of Houston’s standing as a premier destination for graduate students.