Joseph E. Steinmetz (born January 6, 1955) was the sixth chancellor of the University of Arkansas.

He also helped enhance the arts district on the Ohio State campus, a project started while he was vice provost and continued after he was promoted to provost of Ohio State in 2013.

He also worked to build strong ties between the university and the Columbus arts community.

He has co-authored peer-reviewed articles and books on neuroscience and its relation to behavior.

[2] He resigned on June 18, 2021, citing the challenge of leading a university in a polarized society.