Yogesh Joshi Appointed as First Indian Community Endowed Chair at UCF’s India Center  

The University of Central Florida (UCF) has named international affairs expert Yogesh Joshi as the inaugural Indian Community endowed chair and director of The India Center. The appointment was marked by an investiture ceremony on November 4.

The India Center, a part of UCF’s School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs, was established in 2012. Its mission is to enhance understanding of modern India’s impact on global affairs. Yogesh Joshi, who takes on the prestigious role, brings a wealth of expertise from his career as a leading academic in international relations and Indian foreign policy.

Before joining UCF, Joshi spearheaded the National Security and Foreign Policy program at the Institute of South Asian Studies, housed at the National University of Singapore. He also served as a faculty member at Yale-NUS College, furthering his academic contributions in the field.

During the ceremony, Maggy Tomova, the Dean of the College of Sciences, underscored the event’s significance and its alignment with UCF’s strategic goals. “Community and culture are key focus areas for UCF’s strategic plan, and today truly represents community and culture in action,” she remarked.

The event also acknowledged the philanthropic efforts of several families, notably the Deshpande, Mehta, and Toleti families. Their generous contributions were critical in making the endowed chair a reality.

UCF provost Michael D. Johnson, speaking at the event, highlighted the growing presence and contributions of the Indian American community within the university. “UCF is enriched by a significant number of Indian American faculty, staff, and students. This endowed professorship is a tremendous investment in The India Center’s future,” Johnson stated, emphasizing the importance of Joshi’s role.

In his address, Yogesh Joshi presented his vision for The India Center, outlining its focus on examining India’s global influence in areas such as science, technology, and international relations. “Together, we can empower and make real change in the lives of many Americans and Indians,” Joshi said, reinforcing his commitment to advancing the center’s mission.

Joshi’s academic credentials include a doctorate in International Politics from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He is also an accomplished author, having co-written three notable books on India’s nuclear strategy and foreign policy.

The establishment of this endowed chair and the appointment of Yogesh Joshi is a significant step forward for UCF, reflecting the university’s dedication to fostering cultural understanding and international scholarship.