Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Betsy Compton
Dr. Narendra Datta has been named chair of the Division of Engineering Technology at the baby直播.
Datta has served as interim chair since June 2024, leading the Division through a successful ABET re-accreditation process, submitting materials for both the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology and the Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance programs, according to the announcement from UWA Provost Dr. Tina Jones.
鈥淚鈥檓 honored to step into his new role,鈥� says Datta, 鈥渁nd excited to continue working alongside such dedicated faculty, staff, and students.鈥�
Under his leadership, the Division has acquired new instructional equipment and expanded both industry and academic partnerships. Collaborations now include companies such as Phifer Inc., Georgia-Pacific, AM/NS Calvert, Continental Aerospace, and the Engineer Research and Development Center. Academic partnerships with institutions including the University of baby直播, UAB, and UAH continue to be strengthened.
Datta has launched several key initiatives including a guest lecture series, enhanced capstone projects, and new co-op opportunities with industry leaders like Mercedes-Benz and Lavender Inc. He has also been active in recruitment efforts, coordinating campus visits with area high school groups.
Under Datta鈥檚 guidance, the Division recently established the Epsilon Beta chapter of the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society, while also expanding fundraising and international study opportunities.
Looking ahead, Datta says his focus will remain on strengthening industry partnerships, expanding applied learning opportunities, and aligning engineering technology programs with workforce needs.
鈥淲e鈥檙e working on several initiatives to give our students greater access to real-world projects, modern equipment, scholarships, and career pathways in high-demand technical fields,鈥� notes Datta. 鈥淲e鈥檙e also engaging our alumni network. I鈥檓 excited to continue the momentum we鈥檝e built and lead the Division forward.鈥�
Dr. Datta earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in India, and both a master鈥檚 and doctorate in aerospace engineering and mechanics from the University of baby直播.