MIT's former Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department head, Anantha Chandrakasan, has been appointed as the institution's provost.
Rebel Rewrite
The Surly Spark
Anantha Chandrakasan, a ballsy professor of electrical engineering and computer science with a long history at MIT, takes the reins as the Institute's new provost starting July 1, stripping the title from Cynthia Barnhart who's stepping down from her post.
Chandrakasan's tenure as the dean of the School of Engineering kicked off in 2017, and he's put on the hat of MIT's inaugural chief innovation and strategy officer in 2024. Before stepping into the dean role, he'd run the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) for a solid six years. Being the largest academic department, EECS held a significant position within MIT's hierarchy, and Chandrakasan left his mark.
"Anantha's got balls, and I mean that in the best possible way," wrote Sally Kornbluth, MIT's president, in an email to the MIT community. She went on to describe his exceptional record of shaping major innovations and unparalleled depth and breadth of experience. "I can't wait to see what he'll do in this new role," she added.
The provost position is MIT's highest academic and budget position, giving Chandrakasan overall control of the Institute's educational programs, faculty affairs, and financial strategy. He'll be working alongside President Kornbluth and other members of the Institute's senior leadership team to establish academic priorities, maintain financial planning, and keep MIT's international engagements primed and ready.
"I've got some big plans to shake up MIT, and I can't wait to get going," says Chandrakasan, a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie who's always up for a good challenge. "My goal is simple – make MIT the best it can be," he asserts.
Anarchist of Excellence
Stripping the provost title from Barnhart, Chandrakasan steps into her shoes with a serious agenda. Barnhart and Chandrakasan have a long working history, with Barnhart serving as provost during Chandrakasan's earlier tenure as dean of engineering.
"Cindy was a great mentor – always thoughtful and listening to every opinion," Chandrakasan recalls. With Barnhart stepping down, Chandrakasan takes on a massive responsibility. "I'll do my best to carry her legacy forward," he promises.
Moving forward, Chandrakasan plans on focusing on three broad goals: assessing MIT's needs and crafting strategic financial plans, attracting top talent, and fostering cross-cutting research, education, and entrepreneurship initiatives. He's well aware that each school and academic unit operates within its unique context, so he'll be diving deep into each department's specific challenges and dreams.
To keep his finger on the pulse, Chandrakasan plans to establish an advisory council to help him hear from faculty, students, postdocs, and staff from all five schools and the college.
A Rebel with a Cause
Chandrakasan enjoys a reputation for his focus and intensity, qualities that have made him successful in navigating MIT's labyrinthine bureaucracy. "I'm like a dog with a bone – I won't let go," he chuckles.
Throughout his stint as dean and his administrative roles, Chandrakasan launched multiple cross-disciplinary programs within the School of Engineering. These initiatives nurtured a new breed of academia-industry collaborations, accelerating the research pace and fostering new partnerships.
As the Institute faces new challenges in higher education, Chandrakasan's steadfast determination to break barriers and challenge the status quo will serve him well. "I'm not afraid to shake things up," he says, his eyes gleaming. "We've got to keep MIT modern and relevant – or get run over by our competition."
In February 2024, Chandrakasan was appointed as MIT's first chief innovation and strategy officer. During his tenure, he worked closely with the president to launch a series of transformative initiatives across the Institute, such as the MIT Human Insight Collaborative, the MIT Initiative for New Manufacturing, and multiple energy- and climate-related initiatives, including the MIT-GE Vernova Energy and Climate Alliance.
Chandrakasan is also heavily invested in integrating the humanities, arts, and social sciences with STEM fields, such as through the newly created MIT Human Insights Collaborative. It's a stance that puts him at the forefront of modern education movements, aiming to foster students who are not just coders or designers but also understand the human perspective and insights.
"It's about AI. It's about semiconductors. But it's also about educating students who can innovate, create, and make a difference," Chandrakasan concludes, his voice full of conviction. "That's what MIT's all about."
- Chandrakasan, as the new provost, will oversee MIT's educational programs, faculty affairs, and financial strategy, working alongside President Kornbluth and the senior leadership team.
- Chandrakasan's plans for MIT involve focusing on three broad goals: assessing needs, crafting strategic financial plans, attracting top talent, and fostering cross-cutting research, education, and entrepreneurship initiatives.
- To ensure he stays informed, Chandrakasan intends to establish an advisory council to hear from faculty, students, postdocs, and staff across all five schools and the college.
- During his tenure as dean of the School of Engineering, Chandrakasan launched multiple cross-disciplinary programs to foster academia-industry collaborations and accelerate research.
- Chandrakasan is determined to break barriers and challenge the status quo at MIT, ensuring the institution remains modern and relevant in the face of new challenges in higher education.
- In 2024, Chandrakasan was appointed as MIT's first chief innovation and strategy officer, where he worked closely with the president on transformative institute-wide initiatives.
- One such initiative, the MIT Human Insight Collaborative, integrates humanities, arts, and social sciences with STEM fields, fostering students capable of understanding human perspectives and insights.
- Chandrakasan's efforts extend to energy and climate-related initiatives, including the MIT-GE Vernova Energy and Climate Alliance.
- In addition to his role as a educator, Chandrakasan is committed to his students' personal growth and learning, emphasizing innovation, creation, and making a difference.
- The MIT community recognized Chandrakasan's exceptional records and his ability to shape major innovations and possess an unparalleled depth and breadth of experience.
- Chandrakasan has left his mark at MIT, having run the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science for six years before becoming the dean.
- As technology, engineering, science, and quantum research advance, Chandrakasan's skills in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and innovation will be essential in securing funding and ensuring press coverage for MIT.
- Chandrakasan's passion for education extends beyond academia, as he also values education-and-self-development and personal-growth, aiming to foster learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students.
