New York Institute of Technology Appoints Babak Beheshti as Dean, College of Engineering and Computing Sciences

by Elizabeth Sullivan

Old Westbury, NY (04/01/2019) — Babak D. Beheshti, Ph.D., has been appointed dean of the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Junius Gonzales, M.D., M.B.A.

Beheshti, a resident of Bethpage, NY, will be responsible for program development, strategic planning, student success, faculty development, research and scholarship, and administrative oversight of the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences' 14 undergraduate and graduate programs and two undergraduate minors. He also will help to further engage the college's alumni network, which represents professionals in the fields of computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and energy management, among others.

Beheshti has been interim dean of the college for the past 11 months, a member of the faculty since 1986, a past president of NYIT's Academic Senate for multiple terms, and a contributor to numerous institutional initiatives during his tenure.

"A longstanding and respected member of the faculty, Babak has successfully led the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences as interim dean for nearly a year now," said Gonzales. "After conversations with many, especially the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences department chairs and leadership, it is clear that having Babak continue to lead the college is the best path forward."

Beheshti said, "As a polytechnic, NYIT and its College of Engineering and Computing Sciences are uniquely positioned to provide graduates with the innovative and cross-disciplinary education demanded by today's employers. We will continue to strive for academic excellence and prepare our students to flourish in today's technology-infused global economy."

Beheshti has taught courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, ranging from computer science and telecommunications network management, to electrical and computer engineering and technology. He also has extensive research and development experience in the embedded systems and wireless technology industries.

He received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, and master's and bachelor's degrees at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He is the recipient of multiple awards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), including the organization's Member and Geographic Activities Leadership Award, Millennium Medal, Long Island Section Athanasios Papoulis Outstanding Educator Award, and three Region 1 Awards.

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