Indrajeet Chaubey, a widely respected Indian American expert in the field of hydrology and water quality, is set to become the University of Arkansas’ next provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs from July 1, 2025.
“I’m pleased to appoint Dr. Chaubey as provost and welcome him back to the University of Arkansas,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson announcing the appointment Monday. “His extensive leadership experience in higher education and his track record of advancing student success, research and faculty excellence make him exceptionally well suited for this role.
“Throughout his career, he has led transformative initiatives that have strengthened academic programs and research capabilities. I am confident he will bring that same visionary leadership to this role.”
A University of Allahabad, India, alumnus, Chaubey comes to the U of A from the University of Connecticut, where he has served as dean of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources and director of the Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station since 2019.
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During his tenure at UConn, Chaubey has overseen record enrollment of both undergraduate and graduate students, a 67% increase in scholarship funding provided by the college, a doubling of external research funding and the creation of multiple degree programs. He previously held faculty and administrative positions at Purdue University from 2007-2019 and the U of A from 2000-2006.
“I am honored to return to the University of Arkansas as its next provost,” Chaubey said. “The U of A has a strong foundation in academic excellence, research and service, and I look forward to helping propel it to even greater heights.”
Chaubey’s research focuses on how watershed management strategies impact water availability, water quality, crop production and ecosystem sustainability. He has published more than 160 peer-reviewed articles and received over $40 million in funding for his research.
Chaubey earned his doctorate in biosystems engineering from Oklahoma State University. He also holds a master’s degree in biological and agricultural engineering from the U of A and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Allahabad in India.
As Arkansas’ flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity.