The University of West Alabama (UWA) has appointed Dr. Narendra Datta as the permanent Chair of its Division of Engineering Technology, recognizing his leadership and strategic vision during his interim tenure since June 2024.
Dr. Datta expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for his new role, noting that he looks forward to continuing work with UWA’s dedicated community of faculty, staff, and students. Under his leadership, the Division has already made significant strides, from acquiring advanced teaching equipment to cultivating strong connections with both industry and academic partners.
These collaborations now include respected names like Phifer Inc., Georgia-Pacific, Continental Aerospace, AM/NS Calvert, and the Engineer Research and Development Center. On the academic front, UWA has strengthened ties with institutions such as the University of Alabama, UAB, and UAH, opening more doors for research and student development.
Dr. Datta has launched several forward-thinking initiatives including a guest lecture series, more rigorous capstone projects, and expanded cooperative education opportunities with high-profile partners like Mercedes-Benz and Lavender Inc. He has also actively led recruitment efforts, organizing campus visits for area high school students to foster early interest in technical careers.
One notable achievement during his tenure is the establishment of UWA’s Epsilon Beta chapter of the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society, a move that boosts the Division’s academic stature. He’s also advanced fundraising efforts and created new pathways for international study.
Looking ahead, Dr. Datta plans to deepen industry partnerships, introduce more applied learning experiences, and ensure the Division’s programs align closely with evolving workforce needs in high-demand technical fields. His vision includes giving students access to real-world challenges, updated tools, scholarships, and stronger career pipelines.
As interim chair, Datta successfully led the Division through an ABET re-accreditation process, covering both the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology and the Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance programs.
Dr. Datta holds a bachelor’s in electrical and electronics engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in India, and a master’s and PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Alabama.
