Illinois Tech Mumbai appoints Kevin W Cassel vice-provost ahead of 2026 intake
Illinois Tech Mumbai has reinforced its academic leadership with the appointment of Kevin W Cassel as the vice provost. The new appointment was announced in a press release ahead of the university beginning to prepare for academic operations in Mumbai with its inaugural cohort in fall 2026.
The university has recently received a letter of approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) for becoming the first United States (US) university allowed to set up a degree-granting campus in India.
Located in Mumbai’s Godrej District, the campus will offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and business. Students will have access to practical learning, international faculty, and industry partnerships.
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.”
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Illinois Tech Mumbai taps Cassel as academic head
In his new role, Cassel will oversee academic leadership at Illinois Tech Mumbai and work towards maintaining the university’s academic standards across its India and US campuses, the press release stated.
His responsibilities will include collaborating with faculty and academic teams in Chicago and Mumbai to support interdisciplinary learning, experiential education and engagement with industry.
Cassel will focus on helping students to develop technical expertise, critical thinking and a global perspective to prepare them for future careers in a technology-driven world.
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New vice provost brings decades of experience
Cassel brings in more than 25 years of experience at Illinois Tech, where he has been associated with the faculty for over 25 years. He is a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and applied mathematics and has held several senior academic positions at the university.
Before taking up the Mumbai role, Cassel served as vice provost for academic transformation. In his previous position, he worked on initiatives aimed at improving academic programmes, curriculum development, and promoting innovation in teaching and strengthening the overall student experience. He has also served as vice provost for academic affairs and as interim dean of the engineering school.