Debasish Dutta has been appointed the chancellor of Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Debasish Dutta has been appointed the chancellor of Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (Diya TV) — Debasish Dutta, a respected academic who has spearheaded change at three top national research universities, will become the next chancellor of Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
President Robert Barchi announced Dutta’s appointment Thursday at a meeting of the Rutgers Board of Governors. The university conducted an expansive national search before selecting a new leader of the Big Ten institution, which is also a member of the Association of American Universities – a group of 60 prestigious research universities across the nation.
Dutta will begin serving as chancellor on July 1.
He arrives to Rutgers from Purdue University, where he serves as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity, with a faculty appointment as a professor of mechanical engineering. Previously, he worked at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
“Dr. Dutta will be an inspiring, collaborative leader and a powerful voice for Rutgers University-New Brunswick at a pivotal time in its history,” said Rutgers President Robert Barchi in a press release. “He comes here with impeccable academic credentials, solid administrative leadership and deep experience at three Big Ten institutions.
“We also welcome and applaud Deba’s commitment to diversity. He has a proven track record of success in building diverse, inclusive communities, as he has shown in his efforts as Purdue’s chief diversity officer and at Illinois where he served as chancellor’s advisor on diversity.”
As both the chief academic and diversity officer at Purdue, Dutta is responsible for ensuring that diversity and inclusion are a priority in all areas of the university. He has helped increase the graduation rate, enhance student advising, establish new programs in liberal arts, and expand programs in engineering, computer science, business, nursing and technology.
“I am tremendously excited to bring the skills I have developed at Purdue, Illinois and Michigan to lead Rutgers University-New Brunswick,” Dutta said. “I look forward to working with the faculty, staff and students to drive innovation and build a new era of success that will elevate the flagship of Rutgers University to even greater national prominence.
“One of my goals is to provide institutional leadership with an urgency to address current needs, ever mindful of history, and with an eye toward the future. This university is rich with highly accomplished faculty, skilled administrators, and talented and passionate students. I truly believe that when we work together, the possibilities are limitless.”
