Dr. Narendra Datta is in the news as the University of West Alabama (UWA) officially named him Chair of its Division of Engineering Technology.
He is an accomplished Indian-American academic administrator.
After serving in an interim role since June 2024, Dr. Datta now steps into the position permanently with a bold vision to bridge academia and industry while shaping the next generation of engineering professionals.
Leading Through Accreditation and Innovation
During his interim tenure, Dr. Datta successfully led the division through a rigorous ABET re-accreditation process for both the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology and the Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance programs.
UWA Provost Dr. Tina Jones praised Datta’s leadership, stating that he demonstrated “exceptional vision and commitment to academic excellence,” setting the foundation for long-term growth.
Strengthening Industry and Academic Partnerships
Under Dr. Datta’s leadership, the division:
- Acquired new instructional equipment
- Expanded industry partnerships with companies including: Phifer Inc., Georgia-Pacific, AM/NS Calvert, Continental Aerospace, and Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
He also worked to deepen academic collaborations with the University of Alabama system, including campuses in Birmingham (UAB) and Huntsville (UAH).
Student-Centered Growth and Innovation
Committed to student success, Dr. Datta launched several initiatives:
- A guest lecture series featuring industry leaders
- Enhanced capstone projects focused on real-world challenges
- New cooperative education (co-op) opportunities with companies like Mercedes-Benz and Lavender Inc.
- High school outreach programs to boost recruitment
- Formation of the Epsilon Beta chapter of the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society
Additionally, he has worked to expand fundraising efforts, increase international study options, and promote student career development resources.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Dr. Datta emphasizes a mission to align UWA’s engineering programs with evolving workforce demands. He plans to:
- Broaden access to real-world projects and technical training
- Secure more scholarships and internship opportunities
- Strengthen alumni engagement and career pathway initiatives
“We’re working on several initiatives to give our students greater access to real-world projects, modern equipment, scholarships, and career pathways in high-demand technical fields,” said Dr. Datta. “I’m excited to continue the momentum we’ve built and lead the Division forward.”
About Dr. Narendra Datta
Dr. Datta holds:
- A bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, India
- A master’s and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics from the University of Alabama
