LAKE CHARLES, La. (Diya TV) — McNeese State University has named Indian-origin chemical engineer and academic Srinivasan Ambatipati as the new dean of its College of Engineering and Sciences. The appointment marks another milestone in his long association with the university. He will now lead one of McNeese’s largest academic colleges while focusing on student success, research, and stronger industry partnerships.
The College of Engineering and Sciences includes the departments of biology, chemistry and physics, engineering and computer science, mathematical sciences, and the Harold and Pearl Dripps School of Agricultural Sciences. As dean, Ambatipati will oversee academic programs, faculty development, student opportunities, and partnerships that support workforce needs across southwest Louisiana.
Ambatipati joined the McNeese faculty in 2019. Later, the university appointed him head of the Department of Engineering and Computer Science in 2022. Since then, he has helped expand academic programs and improve opportunities for students. His leadership also supported continued growth in the department.
During his time at McNeese, Ambatipati introduced several undergraduate and graduate engineering courses. He also created a Fundamentals of LNG course for non-engineering students. The course became part of the university’s liquefied natural gas certificate program and gave students from different academic backgrounds an opportunity to learn about the growing energy sector.
In addition, Ambatipati supervised 34 senior capstone projects. He also secured about $500,000 in competitive research funding. These efforts strengthened research activities while giving students valuable hands-on learning experiences. As a result, many students gained practical knowledge before entering the workforce.
His leadership also brought important academic achievements to the department. He guided successful reaccreditation efforts for engineering and computer science bachelor’s degree programs. Moreover, the department secured initial accreditation for mechanical and chemical engineering degree programs through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. These accomplishments helped strengthen the college’s academic reputation and supported the quality of its engineering education.
At the same time, Ambatipati worked to build stronger relationships with industry partners. Those collaborations created more experiential learning opportunities for students. Furthermore, the department recorded engineering enrollment growth during four straight semesters. The steady increase reflected growing student interest in the programs and confidence in the department’s direction.
After accepting the new role, Ambatipati expressed gratitude for the opportunity. He said he feels honored to serve as dean at a university that has played an important role in his personal and professional journey.
“I’m incredibly excited and deeply honored,” Ambatipati said. “McNeese has shaped my career—from being a student here to serving as faculty, department head and now dean. It’s a privilege to lead a college with such talented faculty, staff and students.”
Looking ahead, Ambatipati said he plans to expand access to internships, research opportunities, and industry partnerships. He also wants to support faculty innovation while helping meet the workforce demands of southwest Louisiana. According to him, students should have access to practical experiences that prepare them for successful careers after graduation.
“I want to ensure our students have access to exceptional learning experiences, internships, research opportunities and clear pathways to rewarding careers,” Ambatipati said. “I’m also excited to work alongside our outstanding faculty and staff to build on the college’s strengths, foster innovation and continue serving the workforce needs of Southwest Louisiana and beyond.”
Before beginning his academic career, Ambatipati worked as a chemical engineer. His industry experience included research and development, process development, and commercialization. That background now gives him a practical understanding of the skills employers expect from engineering graduates. Consequently, he aims to connect classroom learning with real-world industry needs.
Ambatipati also brings a strong educational background to the position. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Sriram Engineering College in Chennai, India. Later, he completed a master’s degree in chemical engineering at McNeese State University. He then earned a doctorate in chemical engineering from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York.
