ADVERTISEMENTs
Case Western Reserve University’s engineering dean Balakrishnan steps down
Christian Zorman, senior associate dean will serve as interim dean.
-
Bhavana P - Wed, 30, Apr 2025
- 13:20 EDT
- 120
Venkataramanan Balakrishnan / Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University’s Venkataramanan Balakrishnan has announced he will step down as dean of the Case School of Engineering, effective June 30, 2025, concluding a seven-year tenure.
Balakrishnan, who has led the school since 2018, will take a six-month sabbatical before returning to the faculty in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering.
Also read: Harvard dean Khurana reflects on his journey
“It has been an honor to serve as the Charles H. Phipps Dean of Case School of Engineering for the past seven years. Throughout my tenure, I have been continually impressed by the depth of talent and dedication among our faculty and staff and the high standard of excellence set by all affiliated with the school,” Balakrishnan said.
During his tenure, the school established the department of computer and data sciences, launched the first ABET-accredited undergraduate data science and analytics program, and introduced the Roger E. Susi First-Year Undergraduate Engineering Experience.
“His leadership guided the school through the COVID-19 pandemic, led to record-setting increases in research expenditures, and enhanced our academic offerings in engineering. Ragu’s vision over the past seven years has positioned the school exceptionally well for its future,” said university president Eric W. Kaler.
Balakrishnan prioritized interdisciplinary collaboration and oversaw the hiring of more than 40 new faculty members since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research expenditures and fundraising efforts both reached record highs under his leadership, while faculty secured prestigious honors and major grant funding, the university release stated.
“Ragu’s leadership and commitment to interdisciplinary academic excellence has been critical to competitively positioning Case School of Engineering in today’s higher education landscape,” said provost Joy K. Ward. “We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to having him on the faculty.”
Balakrishnan joined Case Western Reserve from Purdue University, where he led the electrical and computer engineering program. “I look forward to continuing my service in a faculty role and to seeing what our faculty, staff, students, and alumni accomplish next,” he said.
A national search for the next dean will begin this month. Christian Zorman, senior associate dean and F. Alex Nason Professor, will serve as interim dean effective July 1.
Related
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login