University of Memphis names IUPUI engineering dean as provost

David Russomanno, engineering dean at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis and a former University of Memphis professor, has been appointed the next University of Memphis Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.

"Prior to serving as Dean, he served 17 years as a faculty member here at the University of Memphis," University of Memphis President Bill Hardgrave said at the university's Monday afternoon board of trustees meeting. "He worked his way up the academic ladder, starting here as a new assistant professor and when he left to take the position at Purdue University in 2010 he had worked his way up to full professor and holder of the R. Eugene Smith endowed professorship."

The University of Memphis Board of Trustees approved Russomanno's appointment in a special called meeting. He starts the new job on July 1.

“I am honored to return to the UofM as provost at this exciting time in its history,” Russomanno said in a written statement. “President Hardgrave has an inspiring vision for the UofM. I look forward to working with him and the entire UofM community to implement the new strategic plan. Having spent my entire academic career at urban research universities, I am dedicated to removing barriers to student success and establishing partnerships to advance the well-being of all.”

Russomanno has a doctor of philosophy in computer engineering and master of engineering in electrical and computer engineering from the University of South Carolina, and a bachelor of electrical engineering from Auburn University. While at the UofM, he held the R. Eugene Smith Professorship, received the Herff College Outstanding Faculty Research Award and Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award and was a Founding Fellow of the FedEx Institute of Technology.

Russomanno "brings an exceptional track record and reputation as a leader in higher education. His expertise and institutional knowledge from the many years he spent as a faculty member on our campus will serve our University well as he assumes this position,” Hardgrave said in a written statement.

During his time as dean at IUPUI, Russomanno also served as a tenured professor in electrical and computer engineering at IUPUI, a graduate faculty professor in the Purdue University Graduate School and an adjunct professor in the Indiana University Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering. He also led the development of two five-year strategic plans for the School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI.

The previous UofM provost, Tom Nenon, retired in 2022 after serving four years in the post. He moved back to full-time faculty, researching and teaching philosophy. Abby Parrill-Baker, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Memphis, has been serving as interim provost.

"This was an excellent choice, I think on the part of President Hardgrave," said Doug Edwards, a board of trustee member and president of the Edwin M. Jones Oil Company of San Antonio. "We did have quite a few well-qualified candidates for the position. That said, when I look at our strategic plan and the direction we want to take the university in terms of graduating our students to be productive members of society and given the importance of engineering to the world we live in today, I think this is an excellent choice."

Gina Butkovich covers DeSoto County, storytelling and general news. She can be reached at 901/232-6714.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: University of Memphis names current IUPUI engineering dean as provost