Elsenbaumer named new UT Arlington provost, vice president for academic affairs
ARLINGTON – The University of Texas at Arlington announces that Ronald L. Elsenbaumer, the University’s vice president for research and federal relations, has been named provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Elsenbaumer will succeed Donald R. Bobbitt, who plans to leave UT Arlington at the end of October to become president of the University of Arkansas System. Elsenbaumer’s appointment takes effect Oct. 24.
UT Arlington President James D. Spaniolo said Elsenbaumer has played a significant role in strengthening the University’s research profile, particularly in the areas of science, engineering, biotechnology and nanotechnology. Elsenbaumer has been a champion for the University in North Texas, Austin, Washington, D.C., and beyond, Spaniolo said.
“Dr. Elsenbaumer has demonstrated his ability to help lead our University toward academic excellence, and he fully understands the totality of the University,” Spaniolo said. “We could not ask for a more dedicated, more skillful leader to help guide UT Arlington as it becomes a major national research institution.”
As provost, Elsenbaumer will be the University’s chief academic officer, overseeing all colleges, schools, research and academic programs.
“It is an honor to serve the University in this new capacity, and I look forward to working with our president and his leadership team, faculty, staff and students in pursuit of our Tier One objectives.”
An educator and researcher for more than 30 years, Elsenbaumer’s varied interests include developing new electrically conductive polymers, mechanistic organic and polymer chemistry and environmentally friendly lubricant additives. He has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications, holds more than 35 U.S. patents and has secured more than $10 million in external research funding.
Elsenbaumer earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Purdue University and earned his doctorate in chemistry from Stanford University. He worked in the private sector for Allied-Signal Inc., a major industrial company, before joining UT Arlington in 1991 as chairman and director of the University’s Materials Science and Engineering department. In 1996, he also became chair of UT Arlington’s Chemistry and Biochemistry department.
Since then, Elsenbaumer has served as director of UT Arlington’s Nano-Fabrication Research and Teaching Facility and as interim provost in 2007-2008. A full professor since 1991, he holds a dual appointment in the College of Science and the College of Engineering and serves on numerous academic and University committees.
The University of Texas at Arlington is a comprehensive research institution of nearly 34,000 students in the heart of North Texas. Visit www.uta.edu to learn more.
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Media contact: Kristin Sullivan, Kristinsul@uta.edu, 817-272-5364
The University of Texas at Arlington, www.uta.edu
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