Debbie Tahmassebi has been appointed provost of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is slated to begin her new duties on March 1, 2026.
Originally trained as an organic chemist, Dr. Tahmassebi has served as provost of Westminster University in Utah since 2019. Before her current role, she was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Santa Clara University for four years. Earlier, she spent nearly two decades on the chemistry faculty at the University of San Diego. She held several roles during her long tenure, including associate dean of program development in the College of Arts and Sciences, chair of the department of chemistry, and special assistant to the provost.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Marquette University community,” said Dr. Tahmassebi. “Marquette’s commitment to the search for knowledge through curiosity, research, and innovation creates a special environment in which to learn and grow. I look forward to engaging in that pursuit through my role and hope to maintain and enhance the academic and student experience at Marquette University.”
Dr. Tahmassebi earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of California, San Diego and her Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Washington.