Our Bureau
Pullman, WA
Washington State University has named Partha Pande, an accomplished researcher and higher education leader, as the dean of Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, effective April 16. This appointment follows a nationally competitive search to identify a leader who will continue advancing the college’s legacy of excellence.
Pande has been a member of the WSU faculty since 2005 and has served as interim dean of the Voiland College since February 2024. His academic contributions and leadership have demonstrated his ability to drive innovation, foster student success, and strengthen industry partnerships.
“In our rapidly changing world, we can occasionally lose sight of just how much our work improves lives. The Voiland College faculty, staff, and students are tackling our society’s biggest challenges and solving real-world problems,” said Pande. “Our faculty continue to be leaders in innovation. They are conducting research in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity, materials discovery, and energy resources that have long-lasting impacts on our society. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Voiland College and look forward to supporting its critical work.”
Pande previously held positions as director of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Boeing Centennial Chair in Computer Engineering. He is recognized internationally for his pioneering research in network-on-chip (NoC) technology, which enhances the energy efficiency of data centers and high-performance computing systems.
“Partha is a tireless advocate for the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Chris Riley-Tillman. “President Cantwell and I appreciate Dr. Pande’s outcome-focused and collaborative leadership. We are confident that the Voiland College will have significant growth and success with Partha’s leadership.”
Pande said that he is grateful for President Cantwell and Provost Riley-Tillman’s trust and is honored to be named dean of the Voiland College.
An accomplished scholar, Pande has authored or co-authored over 250 papers published in journals and conference proceedings. His work has received almost 10,000 citations, earning him numerous accolades, including fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a National Science Foundation Career Award, and the Voiland College’s Outstanding Researcher Award. He was also a distinguished speaker for the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society during 2021–23 and is a member of the Washington State Academy of Sciences.
Pande holds a doctoral degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of British Columbia, a master’s degree in computer science from the National University of Singapore, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Calcutta, India.
