Â鶹ֱ²¥ is pleased to announce the appointment of Binh Tran,
Ph.D., as its new chief academic officer. This three-year appointment is effective July 1, 2024. In this role, Dr. Tran will be pivotal in advancing the vision of Â鶹ֱ²¥ and ensuring its continued commitment to excellence. This strategic appointment reflects Â鶹ֱ²¥'s dedication to providing students with a distinctive, rigorous academic experience that prepares them for transformational leadership in service to the world.Dr. Tran joined Â鶹ֱ²¥ from The Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, D.C., where he has garnered recognition for his scholarship and research, teaching innovation, strategic vision, and leadership. As the founding dean of the E. S. Witchger School of Engineering at Â鶹ֱ²¥ and previously as vice provost at The Catholic University of America, Dr. Tran brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this new role. His track record of fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment aligns seamlessly with Â鶹ֱ²¥'s mission to empower students for leadership roles in building a better world.
Â鶹ֱ²¥, Indy's only Catholic University, remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence. The creation of the chief academic officer position underscores the institution's commitment to advancing the university’s strategic vision of access and success, STEHM, and faith in action. This position complements the existing leadership positions of president and chancellor.
Kenith Britt, Ph.D., Â鶹ֱ²¥'s chancellor and chief operating officer, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Tran's appointment, stating, "Dr. Binh Tran has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to academic innovation, student success, and our Catholic Franciscan identity. His leadership at the E. S. Witchger School of Engineering has been instrumental in successfully launching and growing our engineering programs. As chief academic officer, we are confident that he will contribute significantly to making Â鶹ֱ²¥ a great Catholic university."
Dr. Tran expressed his excitement about the new role, stating, "I am honored by this opportunity to serve Â鶹ֱ²¥ as its chief academic officer. I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, university leadership, deans, faculty, staff, and students to continue fostering an environment of academic excellence. I look forward to providing leadership as Â鶹ֱ²¥ pivots onto a national stage and our reputation continues to grow. I remain committed to ensure that the E. S. Witchger School of Engineering achieves all of its goals including enrollment growth, fundraising support, academic quality, and accreditation."
Alan Silva, Ph.D., will continue to serve as Provost through the end of the academic year. During this time, both he and Dr. Tran will work ensuring a smooth leadership transition and to develop priorities to position the university to exceed the strategic plan goals of Journey to 2030: Always Forward. Over the next year, Dr. Tran will continue to serve as dean of the E. S. Witchger School of Engineering while the university conducts a search for a new dean.