MUMBAI : Illinois Tech Mumbai has appointed Professor Kevin W. Cassel as vice provost, further strengthening its academic leadership as the university prepares to welcome its inaugural student cohort in fall 2026. The appointment reflects Illinois Tech’s long-term commitment to establishing a world-class academic ecosystem in India, bringing the university’s globally recognised curriculum, rigorous academic standards, and experiential learning model to its Mumbai campus.
A distinguished academic and higher education leader, Cassel has been a member of the Illinois Tech faculty for more than 25 years, serving as professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and applied mathematics. Prior to assuming his role in Mumbai, he served as vice provost for academic transformation, where he led university-wide initiatives focused on academic innovation, programme quality, curriculum modernisation, and enhancing the student experience. He has also served as vice provost for academic affairs and interim dean of the engineering school, playing a key role in advancing strategic academic initiatives, faculty collaboration, and experiential learning across the university.
As vice provost, Cassel will provide academic leadership for Illinois Tech Mumbai, ensuring that students benefit from the university’s globally recognised curriculum, interdisciplinary approach, and career-focused education. He will work closely with faculty and academic teams across the Chicago and Mumbai campuses to uphold Illinois Tech’s academic standards while fostering innovation, experiential learning, and global industry engagement.
Professor Kevin W. Cassel, vice provost, Illinois Tech Mumbai, said, “Illinois Tech has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, innovation, and preparing students for meaningful careers. At our Mumbai campus, we have a unique opportunity to extend that legacy to one of the world’s most dynamic education and technology ecosystems. I look forward to working closely with our faculty, students, and industry partners to create an environment that supports academic success and equips graduates with the technical expertise, critical thinking, and global perspective needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.”
Illinois Tech Mumbai recently received the University Grants Commission’s Letter of Approval, becoming the first U.S. university authorised to establish a degree-granting campus in India. Located in Mumbai’s Godrej Business District, the campus will offer globally recognised undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in STEM and business, supported by experiential learning, international faculty, and strong industry partnerships.
