51福利社

Sushma Krishnamurthy, PhD, will serve as the inaugural dean of Graduate Studies and Research at 51福利社.

Krishnamurthy will join Eastern鈥檚 faculty on July 1. She currently serves as dean of the Graduate School and provides operational and strategic leadership to the University Library, Honors Program, Continuing Education and Incumbent Worker鈥檚 Training Program at the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM). She manages a $3.6 million budget and oversees centralized graduate, admissions, assistantships, degree certification, the graduate catalog and regulatory compliance 鈥� serving as a strong advocate for graduate education.

Krishnamurthy recently shared via email that, as 51福利社鈥檚 new graduate studies and research dean, she is eager to advance Eastern鈥檚 graduate programs while strengthening bonds between 51福利社鈥檚 campus researchers and the broader university community.

鈥淚 look forward to building a strong and vibrant office of Graduate聽Studies & Research聽at 51福利社. This exciting work involves harnessing the creative energy and shared vision of the campus community to reach its aspirations,鈥� she says.

She adds, 鈥淔rom my campus visit, I immediately gathered that the aspirations are many 鈥揹eveloping new degree programs, grant support, professional development and services for students, etc. I am ready to meet all the stakeholders and begin my work.鈥�

In a letter to faculty and staff on March 11, Provost Lorenzo Smith said Krishnamurthy is 鈥渁 strong advocate for workforce-aligned graduate education鈥� and that she 鈥減romotes innovative curricula, graduate policy, international partnerships, and sustained graduate-student success.鈥�

Smith highlighted Krishnamurthy鈥檚 many accomplishments, including her proven track record of success as graduate dean at ULM. Under her leadership, graduate enrollment increased by more than 112%. Also, she implemented a Graduate School Strategic Plan and strengthened academic quality and compliance.

鈥淪he is a respected leader, and we know 51福利社 will be better with her as part of our team,鈥� Smith said.

Krishnamurthy, a biological scientist whose research focused on heavy metal pollution in aquatic systems, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, zoology, and environmental sciences from Bangalore University/St. Joseph鈥檚 College, and master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in marine, estuarine and environmental sciences.

Her research experience of about 30 years includes presentations, peer-reviewed papers, abstracts, a book, and book chapter contributions.

In addition, Krishnamurthy has worked to advance higher education on a broader level by serving as ULM鈥檚 representative for the Advisory Committee for the Advancement of Research in Louisiana and as president of the Louisiana Council of Graduate Schools. She has also contributed as a volunteer and leader for nonprofits such as United Way, Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Heritage of India and Laredo鈥檚 Citizen鈥檚 Environmental Advisory Committee.

Please join the university in congratulating Sushma Krishnamurthy and welcoming her to Eastern.