Caltech Welcomes Julie Messersmith as Vice President for Institute Initiatives

Julie Messersmith (Photo – Caltech.edu)

Julie Messersmith joined the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) as vice president for institute initiatives on July 1, 2026, bringing more than a decade of senior administrative leadership experience from Johns Hopkins University.

By News Desk

In her new role, Messersmith will help advance cross-institutional initiatives, strengthen collaboration, and pursue opportunities for innovation in support of Caltech’s mission. She will serve as a senior advisor to President Ray Jayawardhana, provide executive leadership for the President’s Office, and oversee the strategy implementation portfolio, including communications, external relations, institutional research, and campus and community engagement operations.

“An exceptionally collaborative and creative leader, Julie excels at building trust across complex organizations, connecting people around shared goals, and translating ambitious ideas into action,” said President Ray Jayawardhana. “Her boundless energy, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering commitment to institutional excellence will be tremendous assets in our shared endeavor to advance Caltech’s highest priorities.”

Messersmith previously held senior leadership roles at Johns Hopkins University in research, advancement, and university-wide strategy and administration. Most recently, she served as chief of staff and associate vice provost for strategic initiatives, where she worked with faculty, deans, and administrative leaders to develop major initiatives and partnerships.

Her earlier work at Johns Hopkins included directing the Bloomberg Distinguished Professorships program, overseeing research development and faculty grant programs, and helping create Hopkins on the Hill, a showcase of federally funded research at the U.S. Capitol.

“Caltech has fundamentally shaped the frontiers of science and engineering, and I am deeply inspired by the talent, curiosity, and intellectual courage that define this community and its legacy,” Messersmith said. “I look forward to collaborating with faculty and colleagues across the Institute and at JPL to advance the most important priorities into lasting impact.”

Messersmith grew up in Southern California. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Pepperdine University, a master’s degree in international studies from the University of Denver, and a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University.