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After a national candidate search, the search committee and Provost Donald Hall are pleased to announce that Atul Kelkar will become the new dean of Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science on July 15.

“The tireless efforts of the search committee to find a suitable candidate for the Watson Dean position have paid off in the appointment of Atul Kelkar,” President Harvey Stenger said. “As always, �������� engaged many exceptional candidates from across the nation, but Atul’s experience and dedication to his students and his alignment with our mission made him the best choice as we move into the next stage of growth for Watson College.”

Kelkar is currently a D.W. Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Clemson University. Kelkar has held many positions in addition to his time at Clemson University. While serving as the program director of the National Science Foundation, he co-led the Dynamics, Control, and System Diagnostics (DCSD) Program in the CMMI Division of Engineering Directorate. At Iowa State University, he served as the founder and chief executive of five technology start-ups, aiding in the formation of the Start-Up Factory; the associate chair for Research, Industry Engagement and Entrepreneurship in Mechanical Engineering; and the professor-in-charge of Industry Research and Entrepreneurship in the College of Engineering. He also served at several other universities, research centers and corporations.

Kelkar earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pune, India, before earning his master’s and doctoral degrees at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. He has a variety of administrative management experience, as well as expertise in research, teaching, mentorship and professional service. In addition, he has also earned several awards and honors, including an NSF CAREER award, the NASA Creativity and Innovation Program Award and a National Research Council (NRC) Fellowship.

“Atul Kelkar greatly impressed both myself and the search committee during his interview process, and I am so thrilled to offer my full support as he steps into the role with his expansive management and teaching experience,” Provost Donald Hall said. “Although Atul is new to the campus community, I am confident that he will be just what we need to extend our research and programming to new heights and reach an exciting level of excellence at Watson College and �������� as a whole!”

When he joins the University on Aug. 1, Kelkar will be well-prepared to lead Watson College to even greater successes. He strongly believes in creating a culturally inclusive environment and will ensure policies are implemented to promote inclusivity in its true sense.

“I am honored and thrilled to embark on this new journey as the dean under the great leadership of President Stenger and Provost Hall,” Kelkar said. “I look forward to taking the college to new heights by building on the strong foundation that my predecessors have laid before me. I am eager to collaborate with the talented faculty, staff and students, working together to inspire learning, drive innovation, shape a future of academic excellence and foster economic development of the region.”