NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The College of Engineering at Tennessee State University recently named Dr. Gouranga Banik as head of civil and architectural engineering. He assumed his current position August 15.

Most recently, Banik served as President and CEO for Bencons LLC, a private engineering services company. His previous experience also includes serving as professor of construction management at Southern Polytechnic State University from 1998 until 2012.

While at SPSU, Banik helped the department to increase student enrollment and graduation, research and scholarship. In the academic arena, he had significant experience of leading graduate programs, starting new academic programs, and faculty development and governance issues. He led the architectural engineering division as Division and Program Chair, and the Construction Engineering Division as Program Chair for the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), where he served as proceeding editor besides other leadership responsibilities. Banik served the continuing education committee of American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE) as Chair, and on the editorial board of Leadership and Management in Engineering. In addition, he received the Teacher of the Year award for 2007 and Outstanding Faculty award by SPSU for his excellence in the classroom, and also received the National Teaching award by the Associated School of Construction (ASC).

“Dr. Banik brings with him a wealth of leadership experience and the entrepreneurial skills necessary for building partnerships and developing strong educational programs,” said Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, Dean of the College of Engineering. “Additionally, he brings a broad and distinct interdisciplinary perspective to the Department. These attributes are essential to position the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering for regional and national recognition as a leader in engineering and science education, research and technology innovation.”

Banik’s research focuses on sustainability, infrastructure systems and engineering education. He has ideas on how to infuse the undergraduate curriculum with interdisciplinary and project-based learning; promoting innovative research in critical areas of the built environment and developing cooperative relationships with leaders in the region’s engineering and construction industry to help promote an adaptive, sustainability-conscious industry framework. Being a certified project manager and professional engineer, Banik developed qualities and competencies to plan, manage, lead programs and projects to a successful end.

“I am excited about the possibilities at the University,” Banik said. “We want to be known for addressing the grand challenges facing us, creating excellent educational infrastructure, experiences and programs for our students who will be recognized in the industry as leaders, problem solvers, innovators and entrepreneurs.”

Banik earned a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University, an M.S. in Project Management from University of Manchester-Institute of Science & Technology (United Kingdom), and a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from the Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology. As a registered professional engineer, he is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Construction Institute, Transportation Research Board, and the American Society for Engineering Education.

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