New Mexico State University has selected Ranjit Koodali as the next dean of the graduate school and associate provost for International Affairs. He will begin his new role Jan. 16.
Koodali comes to NMSU from Western Kentucky University, where he is a tenured professor of chemistry. He had previously served as associate provost for research and graduate education and was also named 2023 American Chemical Society Fellow.
“I am delighted Dr. Koodali is joining NMSU, and we have high expectations that he will do a great job of integrating and improving our graduate school and international affairs operations,” said Alan Shoho, NMSU provost and chief academic officer.
Before his roles at Western Kentucky University, Koodali also served as dean of graduate school at the University of South Dakota and co-director of the USD Neuroscience, Nanotechnology & Networks program.
Lakshmi Reddi, dean of the College of Engineering, chaired the search advisory committee.
“Dr. Koodali brings a wealth of experience from his prior affiliations as dean of the graduate school at the University of South Dakota,” Reddi said. “He is very knowledgeable about all dimensions of graduate school administration and well-engaged in the Council of Graduate Schools. He brings a fresh perspective to New Mexico State.”
Koodali holds a Ph.D. in photocatalysis and Master of Science degree in chemistry from the Indian Institue of Technology Madras. He also earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, physics, and mathematics from Loyola College in Chennai, India.
Some of his achievements include contributing to over 125 peer-reviewed articles that have been cited over 10,000 times; serving for the national program chair for the American Chemical Society’s Energy and Fuels division; and becoming a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Looking ahead, Koodali’s goals include working in collaboration with the academic colleges and other offices on campus to promote excellence in graduate and global education.
“As support units, the graduate school and International Affairs will provide high quality service to help students, staff, and faculty – and thereby with the mission of NMSU,” he said.
Koodali added that graduate education is his passion, and he is excited about his new role at NMSU.
“I am truly grateful to NMSU for this wonderful opportunity and am eager to serve NMSU to the best of my abilities,” he said. “The opportunity to also help with International Affairs operations seems to provide a rich and fascinating experience, being a first-generation immigrant myself. Serving the various constituents at NMSU will be a very rewarding experience.”