After seven years as dean of Case Western Reserve University’s Case School of Engineering, Venkataramanan “Ragu” Balakrishnan has chosen to step down from his role effective June 30. He plans to join the engineering faculty following a six-month sabbatical.
“Since becoming dean of our engineering school in 2018, Ragu has been a remarkable and steadfast leader,” said President Eric. W. Kaler. “His leadership guided the school through the COVID-19 pandemic, led to record-setting increases in research expenditures, and enhanced our academic offerings in engineering. Ragu’s vision over the past seven years has positioned the school exceptionally well for its future.”
Balakrishnan, who came to Case Western Reserve after leading the electrical and computer engineering program at Purdue University, has placed great emphasis on embracing interdisciplinary and collaborative academic programming.
In recent years, the engineering school established the Department of Computer and Data Sciences, launched the world’s first ABET-accredited data science and analytics degree program, and implemented the Roger E. Susi First-Year Undergraduate Engineering Experience, to name just a few examples.
Also under Balakrishnan’s guidance, the school has embraced an expansion in faculty, welcoming over 40 faculty members since the pandemic began, with plans for continued growth in the years ahead.
From landing impressive numbers of Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers to securing numerous center-level grants, the faculty has excelled under Balakrishnan’s guidance—consequently leading to record levels of research production. Both reported research expenditures and fundraising attainment have hit all-time highs in recent years, a sign of Balakrishnan’s effective management of the budget to secure a healthy financial outlook.
“Ragu’s leadership and commitment to interdisciplinary academic excellence has been critical to competitively positioning Case School of Engineering in today’s higher education landscape,” said Provost Joy K. Ward. “We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to having him on the faculty.”
After completing his sabbatical, Balakrishnan will return to Case School of Engineering’s Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering. With the school in “the strongest position it’s ever been,” he shared he’s eager to continue contributing to the institution’s goals.
“It has been an honor to serve as the Charles H. Phipps Dean of Case School of Engineering for the past seven years,” Balakrishnan said. “Throughout my tenure, I have been continually impressed by the depth of talent and dedication among our faculty and staff and the high standard of excellence set by all affiliated with the school. I look forward to continuing my service in a faculty role and to seeing what our faculty, staff, students, and alumni accomplish next.”
The university will begin the process of launching a nationwide search for the school’s next dean this month. In the interim, Christian Zorman, senior associate dean and the F. Alex Nason Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering, will serve as interim dean effective July 1. A highly productive researcher, popular teacher and mentor, Zorman earned both his master’s degree and PhD at Case Western Reserve before becoming a researcher here in 1994 and then joining the faculty. He has held leadership positions within Case School of Engineering for the past nine years.