Dr. Divya Choudhary has been selected as the new Dean of the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology after a national search, Indiana State University Provost Dr. Christopher Olsen announced today.
Choudhary, who starts at ISU on August 1, will lead the college during an exciting time. Last December, the university announced that Steve and Gloria Bailey made an $8 million commitment that includes scholarships, faculty fellowships, and a Dean’s fund, with a goal of attracting even more great students and faculty.
ISU has requested $66 million from the state for renovations and expansion of the Technology Annex Building, constructed in 1980. The outcome of the request will be known by the end of April.
Last year, the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology received accreditation for its engineering program from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The college currently holds 13 ABET accredited programs.
“I am just delighted that Dr. Choudhary is joining us as Dean of the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology,” said Dr. Christopher Olsen, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “She has a wealth of experience with programs in engineering and technology at institutions that align well with Indiana State. It’s an amazing time to be in the Bailey College as we launch the Bailey Scholars and Bailey Fellows programs, and I am eager to see the impact of Dr. Choudhary’s leadership on the entire college. We are ideally positioned right now to take the college to the next level of success.”
Said Choudhary: “I am looking forward to joining Indiana’s State University’s exceptional faculty, students, and staff on campus as the new Dean of Bailey College of Engineering and Technology. The generous gift of donors Steve and Gloria Bailey presents an incredible opportunity to take the College to the next level by expanding its quality programs and creating new initiatives to address the demand for engineering and technology professionals in this region and beyond.”
Since March 2022, Choudhary has been Dean of the College of Business, Engineering, and Technology and Professor of Electrical Engineering at Texas A&M University at Texarkana. Choudhary leads a college that is ABET and AACSB accredited with programs in engineering, computer science, math, business, accounting and finance, and launched the Center for Financial Literacy and Investment that involves engagement with local businesses and community. Her responsibility includes new programs, student success, enhancing engagement with faculty and students and new building development among others.
From 2010 to 2022, Choudhary was at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee. She served in various positions including Dean of the Graduate School, Dean of Adult and Professional Studies, and Professor of Electrical Engineering. She initiated and participated in recruitment and student success programs that resulted in increased enrollment and retention. Choudhary was the founding director of Christian Brothers University’s STEM Center for Women and Diversity. The Center hosted summer camps and workshops to encourage girls and minorities in high school and middle school to pursue STEM majors.
Choudhary has been a champion for Diversity and Inclusion and was honored with the Changemaker award by Leadership Memphis. She received ’Memphis Top 40 under 40’, and ‘Superwomen in Business’ awards by Memphis Business Journal and was featured in Diversity Journal summer 2017 issue of Women Worth Watching.
Choudhary received her Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering from the University of Mumbai in India. She earned her master’s degree and doctorate in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Memphis. Her research interests include digital signal processing, machine learning and applications of data science in higher education.