Dr. Abhijit Bhattacharyya, a distinguished academic leader with foundational roots in India, is set to take over as the new dean of Georgia Southern University’s Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing on July 1.
Bhattacharyya arrives during a period of significant momentum for the college, which is currently focused on expanding its research footprint and strengthening its ties to regional industry.
Bhattacharyya’s journey to the peak of American academia began at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, where he earned his Bachelor of Technology in mechanical engineering. Moving to the United States, he earned his Master’s and PhD in mechanical and aerospace engineering at Rutgers University.
Before accepting the post at Georgia Southern, Bhattacharyya served as the inaugural dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Arkansas State University. During his tenure, he was instrumental in launching high-demand academic programs and fostering initiatives that bolstered student career readiness and local workforce development.
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His career also includes nearly two decades at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he held various leadership roles, including interim vice provost for research.
“I have the honor and privilege to join Georgia Southern at an exciting time in its journey,” Bhattacharyya stated. He highlighted the “palpable energy” he felt during his visit to the Statesboro campus and shared his vision of building a “national brand” for the college.
Provost Avi Mukherjee praised Bhattacharyya’s appointment, citing his extensive experience in managing accreditation and advancing engineering education. “His commitment to faculty excellence and student success will be instrumental as we continue to elevate the college’s national profile,” Mukherjee said.
A fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Bhattacharyya’s personal research has focused on smart materials and composite structures, supported by funding from agencies like NASA and DARPA.
His appointment brings a global perspective, rooted in India’s elite technical education system to the leadership of one of Georgia’s most vital engineering pipelines.