Published June 25, 2019
Dear University Community:
I am pleased to announce that Rajan Batta, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Human Resources and Diversity, has agreed to serve as Interim Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, effective July 27, 2019.
Professor Batta succeeds Dean Liesl Folks, who is leaving UB to become Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Arizona. Dean Folks has served as Dean of UB’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences since 2012 (see the May 22 memo for more information about Dean Folk’s accomplishments).
An internationally recognized researcher who focuses on using industrial engineering techniques to solve complex logistical problems that benefit society as a whole, Professor Batta has been a UB faculty member since 1984. He has a sustained record of research funding with more than $13 million in grants from federal and state agencies and private industry, and he has published more than 140 articles in the top journals in his field. An excellent teacher and mentor, Professor Batta has supervised or co-supervised 100 doctoral and master’s students. In recognition of his exceptional work, Professor Batta has received many awards and honors, including the Dr. David F. Baker Distinguished Research Award, Award for Technical Innovation in Industrial Engineering, and Albert G. Holzman Distinguished Educator Award from the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, the largest professional society in his field.
In addition to his current associate dean role, Professor Batta previously served as Acting/Interim Dean from 2011-2012, as well as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education and Chair of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.
I am grateful to Professor Batta for his willingness to serve as Interim Dean during this transitional period, during which time I will launch an international search for the next Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Sincerely,
Charles F. Zukoski Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
