Mandar Dewoolkar has been appointed dean of the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Vermont, following a national search. The appointment marks a significant leadership role at the university’s flagship engineering and science college.
Dewoolkar will assume the position on April 1, 2026. He currently serves as interim dean and has been a longtime faculty member at the University of Vermont.
The College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences plays a central role in the university’s research and teaching mission. It offers programs in engineering, mathematics, computer science, statistics, and physics, preparing students for careers in technology, infrastructure, and data-driven industries.
As dean, Dewoolkar will oversee academic programs, faculty development, research initiatives, and partnerships with industry and government. His leadership will help guide the college’s strategy in areas such as infrastructure resilience, sustainability, and emerging engineering technologies.
Dewoolkar is a civil and environmental engineering scholar specializing in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. His research focuses on how soils and earth materials interact with infrastructure systems, particularly in the context of environmental forces and natural hazards.
Over the course of his career, his research has been supported by several major agencies including the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. His work contributes to improving the safety and resilience of infrastructure systems.
Before serving as interim dean, Dewoolkar chaired the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering for more than a decade. In that role he helped expand research activity, support faculty development, and strengthen experiential learning opportunities for students.
Dewoolkar has also been widely recognized for his teaching and community engagement. He has supervised more than 100 student researchers and led service-learning initiatives that connect engineering students with community infrastructure projects across Vermont.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Mumbai and later completed graduate studies in the United States, earning his doctorate from the University of Colorado Boulder.
His appointment reflects the growing presence of South Asian American scholars in senior leadership positions across U.S. universities. As dean, Dewoolkar will help shape the future of engineering education and research at the University of Vermont.
Key Takeaways About Mandar Dewoolkar
- Mandar Dewoolkar has been appointed dean of the University of Vermont’s College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences.
- He previously served as interim dean and chaired the civil and environmental engineering department.
- Dewoolkar specializes in geotechnical and environmental engineering research.
- His work focuses on infrastructure resilience and environmental engineering challenges.
- The appointment takes effect April 1, 2026.
