Watson College dean to step down in 2024

Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science Dean Krishnaswami “Hari” Srihari has announced plans to step down from his position as dean at the end of the 2024 academic year. Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Donald Hall will constitute a search committee this spring. A national search will be conducted with the assistance of a search firm to fill Srihari’s position.

“Since Hari was appointed dean to lead the then-Watson School in 2009, we have seen exponential growth on several fronts, including student enrollment, faculty, research productivity, academic quality and reputation both nationally and internationally,” said Hall. “His vision and work ethic have been the underpinning of what is now Watson College. I’m thankful for his service and leadership.”

Srihari had originally planned to leave the dean’s position in 2018, but a search for his successor was derailed first by a hiring hold and then by the pandemic, so he agreed to remain as dean.

“I have been proud to continue to serve as dean, working with dedicated faculty and staff to educate the next generation of engineers,” Srihari said. “It’s been an honor to work with such exceptional colleagues at all levels and it’s time to pass the baton to someone who can build on our relationships with alumni, external partners in industry and our collaborators around the globe to continue the premier work of Watson College.”

“When I arrived at Binghamton and began our Road Map to Premier strategic planning process, it was apparent to me that we had a great dean in place for Watson College, and with Hari’s ability to lead the school, he set a standard for all of us to follow,” said President Harvey Stenger. “I wish him the best as he steps down from his deanship, and am happy that he will be with us as dean for another year.”

Srihari, who joined Watson College the Department of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering in 1988, and was department chair from 2003 to 2009, is a SUNY distinguished professor. He is a prolific scholar and pioneer of research into the use of systems engineering principles to enhance efficiencies in healthcare delivery. He has published over 500 technical papers in leading peer-reviewed journals and at conferences and secured over $60 million in external sponsorship. He has also directed and graduated over 160 master’s students and 42 PhD students.

During his tenure as dean:

• Watson’s graduate programs climbed to #95, in U.S. News & World Report’s graduate rankings, with industrial and systems engineering at #47 and computer science at #79.

• Since 2013, overall enrollment has grown from 2,728 to 3,404 and graduate enrollment — which has been a University priority — has grown from 808 to 1,259 students.

• Since 2013, full-time faculty have grown from 88 to 118, and 19 Watson faculty have earned prestigious NSF CAREER Awards.

• Watson appointed a director of diversity programs and initiatives in 2014, and elevated the position to the rank of assistant dean in 2020.

• With support from several corporations as lead sponsors, the Watson College Scholars program for underrepresented students was established, enrolling the first cohort of 11 undergraduates in fall 2021. The program earned the 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine.

• Research expenditures increased by over 60% between 2012 and 2022, up from $11 million to over $18 million, including during difficult funding years due to the pandemic.

Also during his time at Binghamton, Srihari played a key role in the creation of University-industry partnerships as director of the Watson Institute of Systems Excellence (WISE), and served as executive vice provost for international initiatives and chief global affairs officer for Binghamton University from 2015 to 2020.