Mandar Dewoolkar has been appointed as the permanent dean of the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Vermont, effective April 1.
The University of Vermont (UVM) has announced the appointment of Mandar Dewoolkar as the permanent dean of its College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. Dewoolkar, who has been serving as the interim dean since 2024, will officially take on the role starting April 1, 2026. His selection is a noteworthy achievement for the university’s international faculty community, as he transitions from a decade-long chairmanship of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering to a prominent leadership position.
Born in Mumbai, India, Dewoolkar’s academic journey began in the highly competitive environment of Indian engineering education. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Mumbai before obtaining a Master of Technology from the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, a credential recognized worldwide for its rigorous standards of technical excellence.
Following his foundational training in India, Dewoolkar moved to the United States, where he completed his PhD at the University of Colorado Boulder in 1996. His academic focus has been on geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics, areas in which he has gained international recognition by combining the theoretical rigor of his IIT education with practical research applications in the U.S.
UVM President Marlene Tromp praised Dewoolkar’s leadership qualities, stating, “Dr. Dewoolkar is a deeply prepared, collaborative, and strategic leader. He will help his college and the university forge bold futures for our students and our community.”
Before joining UVM in 2003, Dewoolkar gained valuable experience in the field as a practitioner at GEI Consultants in Colorado, where he worked on dam safety and reservoir design. This practical experience has enriched his academic perspective, allowing him to apply engineering principles effectively.
At UVM, Dewoolkar has established himself as a dedicated mentor, guiding over 100 student researchers and fostering a strong connection to the immigrant experience within American higher education. Interim Provost Linda S. Schadler remarked on his vision for the future of the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (CEMS), noting that he has garnered significant support from faculty, staff, and students alike.
As dean, Dewoolkar will oversee a diverse portfolio that includes computer science, mathematics, and physics. His elevation to this role reflects a broader trend of Indian-born engineers achieving prominent positions in American academia, effectively bridging the gap between global technical expertise and local community impact through UVM’s service-learning initiatives.
Dewoolkar resides in Shelburne, Vermont, with his family, continuing a career that began in the vibrant classrooms of Maharashtra. His leadership at UVM is expected to contribute significantly to the university’s mission of advancing engineering and mathematical sciences in an increasingly interconnected world.
This appointment highlights the growing influence of international scholars in shaping the future of higher education in the United States, particularly in STEM fields, where diverse perspectives and experiences are invaluable.
According to The American Bazaar, Dewoolkar’s leadership is anticipated to enhance UVM’s commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.