Vohra named dean of College of Engineering

by Joe King

The NIU Board of Trustees last week approved the appointment of Promod Vohra as the new dean of the NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology.

Upon his confirmation, Vohra laid out an ambitious program for the future of the university's youngest college.

“For the first 15 years of its existence, CEET has focused on creating a viable college with a critical mass of students. We have succeeded in those efforts, building some excellent programs as we have grown,” Vohra said. “Now, the time has come to become a more mature college, one that stresses excellence not only in teaching, but in research as well. It is time for us to attain regional prominence and national recognition.”

That plan was applauded by the board and university leadership.

“Dean Vohra has always worked with tremendous energy and ambition on behalf of the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology,” NIU President John Peters said. “With him at the helm, I look for the college to mature into a research and education powerhouse.”

NIU Trustee Robert Boey, a professional engineer associated with CEET since its founding, served on the search committee to fill the dean's post and shared in the excitement over Vohra's selection.

“Dr. Vohra is the right hire at the right time,” Boey said. “He has an exciting and dynamic vision for the college, and I look forward to seeing that plan brought to fruition in the years ahead.”

Vohra's ability to bring that vision to life was demonstrated during the last two years while he served as acting dean of the college.

During that time, he was instrumental in launching initiatives that secured more than $8 million in funding to jump-start research in areas such as acoustics and vibration control and fuel cells. He also helped launch programs devoted to nano- and micro-electronics, and steered the college through a re-accreditation process that resulted in all of its programs attaining the highest accreditation levels possible.

Vohra takes particular pride in all of those accomplishments, as he is not only a longtime administrator at CEET but also a former member of the faculty and an alumnus.

After earning his bachelor's degree in 1981, the New Delhi native worked for Philips Electronics for five years. IN 1986, he came to NIU, enrolling as the first-ever graduate student in the CEET electrical engineering program. Upon completion of that degree in 1988, Vohra became an instructor at the college and eventually attained the ranks of assistant, associate and full professor in the Department of Technology.

He earned his Ed.D. degree in instructional technology in 1993.

As a member of the faculty, Vohra has published nationally and internationally and has developed several models to address important issues in engineering education. In 1995, he received the Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, one of the university's highest honors for teaching. His resume also includes several substantial cash and equipment grants secured for the college.

Vohra was named associate dean of the college in 1997, and spearheaded recruitment efforts that increased enrollment in the college by 45 percent over five years. He also built upon his association with various boards and professional organizations, working to strengthen the college's partnerships with industry to provide mutually beneficial and meaningful experiences.

As dean, Vohra said he will strive to maintain the enrollment gains of recent years while working to improve the caliber of students enrolling in the college. “I want to develop a unique niche for CEET and build its image so that we are the first choice of more students,” he said.

Other goals include establishing a collaborative Ph.D. program in nanosciences with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and strengthening partnerships with industry to enhance experiential learning and employment opportunities within the college.

“Reaching those goals will not be easy, but with the support of our excellent faculty, dedicated staff and outstanding students – all of whom have a high level of ownership and pride for CEET and NIU – I am certain that we can achieve these things,” Vohra said. “As an alumnus of NIU, I am committed to the success of this college and this university and will do everything possible to elevate NIU to new heights.”

Vohra becomes the second dean of the NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, replacing Romualdas Kasuba, who guided the college from its inception in 1986 through 2003.

6-20-05