Georgia Southern University names new dean of the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

Abhijit Bhattacharyya, Ph.D., has been named the next dean of Georgia Southern University’s Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing. He will begin his role July 1.

Bhattacharyya currently serves as the inaugural dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Arkansas State University, where he has led a period of strategic growth focused on student success, workforce development and research expansion. During his tenure, the college launched new academic programs in high-demand fields, strengthened industry partnerships and advanced initiatives supporting student recruitment, retention and career readiness.

“I have the honor and privilege to join Georgia Southern at an exciting time in its journey as it soars beyond its current very strong position in the state of Georgia,” said Bhattacharyya. “The energy on campus and within the college was palpable during my visit, and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to build on that strong foundation and create a national brand.”

Prior to his current role, Bhattacharyya held several leadership positions at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, including interim vice provost for Research and dean of the graduate school, as well as associate dean of Engineering and Information Technology. He began his career as a faculty member committed to teaching, research and service, and remains an active scholar with externally funded research from federal agencies.

Bhattacharyya earned his Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Rutgers University, along with a master’s degree in applied mechanics. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and serves as an ABET program evaluator.

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Avi Mukherjee, Ph.D., said Bhattacharyya’s experience and leadership align strongly with the University’s strategic priorities.

“Dr. Bhattacharyya brings a proven record of growing engineering education, advancing academic programs, bolstering research, managing accreditation, strengthening industry partnerships and positioning engineering and computer science for long-term impact,” said Mukherjee. “His commitment to faculty excellence, student success and workforce development will be instrumental as we continue to expand opportunities for our students and elevate the national profile of the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing.”