Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi (photo courtesy of Tennessee Technological University)
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga today announced that Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi has been named dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS), effective July 1.
The announcement was made by Dr. Jerold L. Hale, UTC provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs.
Yelamarthi comes to UTC from Tennessee Technological University, where he has served since 2021 as associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Engineering. In that role, he supported more than 3,100 students and 85 faculty members across seven departments and 18 programs.
He previously led the School of Engineering and Technology at Central Michigan University, overseeing eight programs and managing a $4 million annual budget.
“Dr. Yelamarthi brings a combination of strong administrative ability, a distinguished record of scholarship, research and teaching, and valuable experience in academic leadership,” Hale said. “His background at a Carnegie-classified institution will serve UTC well as we continue working toward that critical R2 designation. He has demonstrated success in advancing external research funding, strengthening academic programs and building partnerships that support institutional growth.
“Having navigated the higher education landscape in Tennessee, he is well-positioned to help UTC move forward strategically and collaboratively.”
At UTC, Yelamarthi will hold a joint faculty appointment in electrical engineering and computer science.
“When I visited UTC, I was immediately struck by the campuswide commitment to student success,” Yelamarthi said. “The passion from everyone I met—from faculty to staff—was unmistakable.
“The University’s deep integration with the Chattanooga community was unlike anything I’ve seen before, and I’m excited to join a college that is ready to help meet regional and national needs for engineers and computer scientists.”
He holds a bachelor’s degree in instrumentation and control engineering from the University of Madras in India—and both a master’s degree in electrical engineering and a Ph.D. in engineering from Wright State University in Ohio.
“UTC’s close ties to the Chattanooga community, its outstanding infrastructure and its location make this a place with incredible potential,” Yelamarthi said. “I feel fortunate to be selected for this role and am eager to get started—and so is my family. My kids are already excited about what the future holds for all of us in Chattanooga.”
Yelamarthi’s career spans leadership in undergraduate and graduate program development, industry engagement, student retention and recruitment, and research collaboration with national laboratories and academic institutions.
“Dr. Yelamarthi’s energy, vision and leadership align strongly with UTC’s goals for advancing the College of Engineering and Computer Science,” Hale said. “He is well-positioned to lead the college to new levels of national prominence.”
The selection of Yelamarthi followed a national search chaired by UTC Honors College Dean Linda Frost.
“Dr. Yelamarthi’s background in research—and particularly in developing faculty to successfully pursue research funding, his varied administrative experience at both Tennessee Tech and at Central Michigan University, his overall focus on and achievement with student success practices, and his experience developing strong relationships with industry partners all make him an excellent choice for dean of the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science,” Frost said. “On top of all that, Dr. Yelamarthi’s warm, personable, curious sensibility will undoubtedly make him an absolute pleasure with whom to work.”
Charles Wood, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, noted the local impact of Yelamarthi’s arrival.
“I am excited to welcome Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi to UTC and Chattanooga. His demonstrated track record of industry collaboration, focus on student success and track record of launching new graduate programs will help make UTC’s College of Engineering and Computer Science one of the best in the Southeast,” Wood said.
Yelamarthi will succeed Dr. Ahad Nasab, who has served as interim dean of CECS for the last two years. During his tenure, Nasab helped guide the college through key initiatives, including the construction of the Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing Application Center and the expansion of student-focused programming.
“I want to thank Dr. Nasab for his exceptional leadership and service as interim dean,” Hale said. “His efforts have ensured that CECS remained focused on advancing University priorities, completing significant projects and preparing for this important transition.”
