Sam Houston State University (SHSU) has announced the appointment of Dr. Sumanth Yenduri as its incoming Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective July 17, 2025. With close to 20 years of experience in academic leadership and a strong background in computer science, Dr. Yenduri is poised to lead SHSU’s academic vision into its next chapter.
In accepting the position, Dr. Yenduri expressed his appreciation to the university president, search committee, and stakeholders for their trust. “It’s an honor to join a university with a rich tradition of excellence, community service, and educational impact,” he said. He also conveyed his eagerness to collaborate with SHSU’s faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
Currently, Dr. Yenduri serves as Dean of the College of Computing and Software Engineering at Kennesaw State University, where he oversees over 5,800 students, a team of 135 faculty and staff, and manages a $25 million budget. His leadership has resulted in a 36% spike in enrollment and the expansion of graduate and doctoral-level programs.
Known for his strategic and student-focused leadership, Yenduri has launched new academic offerings, including a PhD in computer science, a master’s in artificial intelligence, and various interdisciplinary certificate programs. He also spearheaded initiatives to strengthen student retention, grow research productivity, support faculty development, and foster connections with both community and industry.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Yenduri has overseen more than $9 million in research funding and led fundraising campaigns exceeding $4 million to support scholarships, infrastructure, and research initiatives.
His prior roles include leadership positions at Southeast Missouri State University, Columbus State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Yenduri holds a PhD and master’s in computer science from Louisiana State University, along with a bachelor’s in computer science and systems engineering from Andhra University in India.
SHSU President Alisa White praised his appointment, noting that his demonstrated commitment to academic innovation and student success perfectly aligns with the university’s mission and long-term strategy.
