The University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science has extended Indian American professor Vijay Kumar’s service as the Nemirovsky Family Dean to June 30, 2029, subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.
The reappointment follows a review of the major accomplishments of Kumar’s term as dean, along with an assessment of emerging priorities and strategic opportunities for Penn Engineering, the university announced Nov. 5.
“Dean Kumar is widely respected as a collaborative and visionary leader who has guided Penn Engineering through a period of remarkable growth while advancing its impact across the University and beyond,” Penn President J. Larry Jameson stated.
“Under his tenure, the School has made significant progress toward its strategic priorities, with a sustained commitment to excellence in research, education, and innovation. His leadership is exemplified by major advances across faculty recruitment, research growth, educational innovation, and fundraising.”
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The university listed achievements of Kumar’s tenure across a wide range of area from leadership and growth in research to transformational fundraising and institutional growth.
Penn Engineering has significantly expanded the scale and impact of its research enterprise while sharpening its focus on translation and societal impact, according to a Penn release.
This includes advancements in critical areas such as human health, physical intelligence, and sustainable infrastructure; strengthened commercialization and industry partnerships; and the creation of new mechanisms like the Futures Fund to support bold ideas and diversify pathways for research funding.
Under Kumar’s tenure, Penn Engineering has expanded its faculty by more than 40%, increased enrollment across its programs, and strengthened its position as a leader in AI and engineering education.
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Key initiatives include the Ivy League’s first undergraduate degree in Artificial Intelligence, the growth of Penn Engineering Online into a global platform, and a modernized undergraduate curriculum designed for emerging fields and evolving workforce needs.
Kumar has secured more than $400 million in philanthropic commitments over his tenure, more than tripling annual fundraising over the last decade. This has enabled major investments in faculty excellence, student opportunities, and new facilities, including Amy Gutmann Hall and the Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology.
“Dean Kumar’s many accomplishments reflect his strategic and inclusive leadership,” Provost John L. Jackson, Jr. stated. “Through sustained success in faculty recruitment, research growth, innovation, and fundraising, he has positioned Penn Engineering for continued excellence and impact in the years ahead.”