NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Atlanta, GA, February 19, 2025: The University of Wisconsin–Madison has named Devesh Ranjan as the new dean of its College of Engineering. Dr. Ranjan, currently the Eugene C. Gwaltney Jr. School Chair and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, will assume his new role on June 16, 2025.
Ranjan’s connection to UW–Madison dates back to 2003 when he began his graduate studies in mechanical engineering. He earned his doctorate from the university in 2007 under the mentorship of Professor Riccardo Bonazza. Following a postdoctoral fellowship at Los Alamos National Laboratory, he joined Texas A&M University’s faculty in 2009 before moving to Georgia Tech in 2014.
His research expertise includes high-speed fluid dynamics, shock wave interactions, and energy-efficient power cycles. His contributions to the field have earned him numerous accolades, including fellow status with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and prestigious early-career awards from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Air Force, and the Department of Energy.
During his tenure at Georgia Tech, Ranjan led the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, overseeing nearly 3,000 students and 95 faculty members. Under his leadership, the school fostered community-building initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration among faculty, staff, and students.
At UW–Madison, Ranjan will oversee the College of Engineering’s approximately 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students across eight academic departments. His tenure coincides with ongoing developments for the new Phillip A. Levy Engineering Center, a 395,000-square-foot facility designed to enhance engineering education and research.
He aims to leverage his experience to strengthen the college’s reputation, enhance student opportunities, and expand industry collaborations. He also plans to use his expertise in fundraising to support the college’s strategic initiatives.
Ranjan will succeed Ian Robertson, the current Grainger Dean of the College of Engineering, who will continue as a faculty member in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
Ranjan told the UW-Madison newsletter that he and his family—his wife, Dr. Kumuda Ranjan, a family physician, and their two sons—are looking forward to returning to Madison. In addition to his professional aspirations, Ranjan expressed a personal goal: learning to ice skate with his children.
