Washington State University (WSU) has announced Dr. Partha Pande as the new dean of the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, starting April 16. His selection followed a national search for a leader capable of building on the college’s tradition of academic and research excellence.
Dr. Pande, who joined WSU in 2005, has been serving as interim dean since February 2024. Over the years, he has shown exceptional leadership in advancing technological innovation, supporting student development, and strengthening ties with industry partners.
Reflecting on his new role, Pande said, “Voiland College faculty and students are actively solving society’s biggest challenges through impactful research in fields like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and energy systems. It’s a privilege to lead such a forward-thinking community.”
Before becoming dean, Pande held key positions such as director of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Boeing Centennial Chair in Computer Engineering. Internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in network-on-chip (NoC) technology, his research improves energy efficiency in data centers and high-performance computing.
WSU Provost Chris Riley-Tillman praised the appointment, highlighting Pande’s collaborative leadership style and dedication to outcomes. “We believe Partha’s guidance will propel Voiland College into its next phase of growth,” he noted.
Dr. Pande has authored over 250 scholarly articles and has garnered close to 10,000 citations. His accolades include being named an IEEE fellow, receiving a National Science Foundation Career Award, and earning WSU’s Outstanding Researcher Award. He also served as a distinguished speaker for the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society and is a member of the Washington State Academy of Sciences.
He holds a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of British Columbia, a master’s in computer science from the National University of Singapore, and a bachelor’s from the University of Calcutta.
