Indian-Origin Engineer Anantha Chandrakasan Named MIT Provost

In a landmark moment for both academia and the Indian diaspora, Professor Anantha Chandrakasan has been appointed as the new Provost of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), becoming the first Indian-American to hold this esteemed position. Effective from July 1, 2025, the Chennai-born engineer takes on one of the most influential academic roles at MIT during a pivotal time of transformation and challenge in higher education.

Currently serving as MIT’s Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer and Dean of the School of Engineering, Chandrakasan brings with him a legacy of forward-thinking leadership and deep institutional knowledge. MIT President Sally Kornbluth, while announcing the appointment, praised his track record of innovation, resource mobilization, and strategic insight. She emphasized the importance of Chandrakasan’s experience in a time when MIT faces uncertainty around federal research funding and global talent acquisition due to changing political dynamics.

The role of Provost at MIT is central to the institute’s academic and budgetary planning. As chief academic officer, Chandrakasan will be responsible for faculty oversight, educational programming, financial strategy, and long-term institutional planning. He will also supervise several vice provost offices, as well as oversee affiliated institutes and research centers. It’s a position that directly influences the trajectory of the university’s academic mission and its global standing.

In his statement, Chandrakasan said he was “deeply honoured” by the trust placed in him and outlined his vision for MIT’s academic future. He identified three main priorities for his tenure: understanding institutional needs through strategic financial planning, attracting and retaining top-tier talent, and nurturing collaborative, interdisciplinary innovation across research and education. He emphasized his commitment to working closely with leaders of each academic unit to tailor solutions that address their unique challenges and aspirations.

Chandrakasan’s leadership style is inclusive and forward-looking. He announced plans to create multiple advisory councils, including one composed of faculty members from MIT’s five schools and college, student and postdoc advisory groups, and an external advisory council. These bodies will help shape a governance model grounded in open dialogue and shared institutional goals.

His previous tenure as Dean of Engineering since 2017 saw the school deepen its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact. As the inaugural Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer, appointed in 2024, he steered MIT's vision in emerging technologies and strengthened ties with industry leaders and donors. President Kornbluth noted his “can-do attitude, creativity, strategic insight, and enthusiasm” as essential traits that made him the ideal choice for Provost.

Chandrakasan’s career at MIT spans decades. After earning his BS, MS, and PhD in electrical engineering and computer sciences from the University of California at Berkeley, he joined MIT’s faculty and went on to lead the Microsystems Technology Laboratories from 2006 to 2011. He then chaired the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), MIT’s largest academic department, for six years before becoming Dean.

Beyond his institutional leadership, Chandrakasan has also been a bridge-builder between India and the United States in the fields of technology and R&D. The Consulate General of India in New York congratulated him on the appointment, praising his advocacy for bilateral collaboration in innovation and his outreach to stakeholders in both government and private sectors.

Chandrakasan’s approach to education emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary training. “It’s about AI. It’s about semiconductors. It’s about quantum, biosecurity and biomanufacturing space — but not only that,” he said. “We need students who understand the human perspective and human insights.” He pointed to new initiatives like the MIT Human Insights Collaborative as examples of integrating STEM with the humanities and social sciences to build more holistic problem solvers.

In her remarks, President Kornbluth underscored how critical the role of Provost will be as MIT navigates a future filled with both unprecedented opportunities and existential challenges. From reshaping global supply chains and responding to geopolitical shifts to addressing climate change and maintaining academic freedom, the road ahead demands a leader with depth, agility, and vision.

Chandrakasan’s appointment sends a powerful message about the global character of American academia and the contributions of immigrants to leadership and innovation. His journey from Chennai to Cambridge is a testament to the power of education and perseverance, and a symbol of what inclusive institutions like MIT can achieve.

As he steps into the role on July 1, 2025, all eyes will be on how Chandrakasan redefines academic excellence at MIT while maintaining its legacy of cutting-edge research and education. With strong support from the MIT community and international recognition already pouring in, his tenure promises to be a transformative chapter in the institute’s history.