by Office of Provost and VP of Academic Affairs
Pushpalatha Murthy, currently the associate dean of the Graduate School, has been selected as the new associate provost for Graduate Education and dean of the Graduate School.
Murthy will begin serving as dean on Sunday, June 19. Prior to being selected as dean, Murthy served as associate dean of the Graduate School during the 2015-2016 academic year.
Provost Jackie Huntoon stated “I am very happy that Dr. Murthy has agreed to take on this responsibility. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position that will serve the University well. The quality of our graduate programs is very important to Michigan Tech, and Dr. Murthy is committed to undertaking efforts to continue to increase their quality through time.”
President Glenn Mroz said, “Pushpa brings her national and international perspective and experience to the position, and her passion and dedication as well. She’s served on countless groups in her career to sort out ways that we can make Michigan Tech a better place to study and to work. And she’s done it with common sense, grace and a sense of humor that puts people at ease in even the most difficult conversations.”
Murthy joined Michigan Tech in 1985, serving first as a visiting assistant professor. In 1986 she moved to the tenure track as an assistant professor.
She gained experience in administration through her service as chair of the Department of Chemistry from 2001-04 and as a program director in the Division of Graduate Education at the National Science Foundation from 2012-15. In 2014, Murthy traveled to India to conduct a series of workshops for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the Associate Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School at Michigan Tech. I look forward to working with the university community to enhance graduate education at Michigan Tech” Murthy said.
She was awarded the Michigan Tech Faculty Distinguished Service Award in 2011, is a member of the editorial board for Protein Expression and Purification and is active in COACh International, a grassroots organization working to increase the number and career success of women scientists and engineers.
Through her work with COACh, she has gained experience designing and delivering professional development programs. Murthy’s work with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and COACh will greatly benefit Michigan Tech’s graduate students.
“Our campus will benefit from the expertise Dr. Murthy brings to us as a result of her work providing professional development to professionals around the world,” said Huntoon.