Kennesaw State names new dean for College of Computing and Software Engineering – Kennesaw State University

KENNESAW, Ga.
(Nov 2, 2021) — Kennesaw State University has named Sumanth Yenduri, a computer scientist with two
decades in academia, dean of the College of Computing and Software Engineering (CCSE), effective Dec. 1.
Sumanth Yenduri

Yenduri, who currently serves as interim dean, was named dean following a national
search. Formerly, he served as chair and professor in the College’s Department of Software Engineering and Game Development.

During his time at KSU, Yenduri has secured philanthropic support for scholarships
and external contracts, worked with the CCSE’s leadership team to update KSU’s R2
research roadmap, assisted in securing student success grants, and contributed to
the 15% enrollment growth his College has enjoyed since Fall 2020.

“Dr. Yenduri has distinguished himself as a leader during his tenure as interim dean
at Kennesaw State,” said Kathy Schwaig, interim president of Kennesaw State. “His
leadership and commitment in expanding innovative research opportunities, collaborative
community outreach, and technology industry partnerships will only enhance the College’s
future academic excellence.”

Yenduri has held several leadership roles over the past decade at four institutions.
Prior to joining Kennesaw State in 2019, he was a professor and chair of computer
science at Southeast Missouri State University, where he oversaw the establishment
of the “Cyber Range” for teaching and research that was inaugurated by the state’s
governor in 2020. He also oversaw the approval of the first program-specific criteria
for cybersecurity at the baccalaureate level and was instrumental in the department’s
earning the distinction of ABET accreditation.

A prolific researcher, Yenduri has published more than 50 articles in various conferences
and journals and has overseen approximately $1.7 million in grants, awards, and contracts.
He received the Butch Oustalet Distinguished Professorship Award for Research at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2010. 

“Dr. Yenduri’s experience and commitment to a positive and inclusive scholarly environment
that rewards excellence in teaching, research, and service will be of great value
to Kennesaw State and the College,” said Ivan Pulinkala, KSU’s interim provost and
senior vice president for academic affairs. “I am confident that his leadership will
expand industry partnerships, research opportunities, curricular development and a
commitment to student success.”

In his role as dean, Yenduri will lead the development of the College’s strategic
vision and serve as chief academic and administrative officer with the responsibility
for managing the fiscal, infrastructure, and human resources needs of CCSE. The dean
will help promote inclusively excellent teaching, research, and service within the
College and throughout the University. KSU’s College of Computing and Software Engineering
enrolls nearly 4,250 students and has close to 100 faculty.

“I am honored and deeply appreciative of the opportunity to serve as the dean. Computing
is central to the future of academia as we experience changing student needs, increasing
workforce development needs, engaging our community, advancing research, and promoting
diversity and inclusion,” Yenduri said. “It gives me immense pleasure to work with
my colleagues to achieve our shared aspirations. I am passionately committed to working
with faculty, staff, and students to realize the College’s vision.”

Yenduri earned his doctoral degree in computer science and master’s degree in systems
science from Louisiana State University.

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Source: https://news.kennesaw.edu/stories/2021/ccse-dean-sumanth-yenduri.php