Illinois Tech Mumbai has appointed Professor Kevin W. Cassel as Vice Provost, strengthening its academic leadership team as the university prepares to welcome its inaugural student cohort in Fall 2026.
Cassel brings more than 25 years of experience with Illinois Institute of Technology, where he has served as a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and applied mathematics. Before taking up his new role in Mumbai, he served as Vice Provost for Academic Transformation, leading initiatives focused on academic innovation, programme quality, curriculum modernisation, and enhancing the student experience.
He has also held leadership positions including Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Interim Dean of the engineering school, contributing to strategic academic initiatives, faculty collaboration, and experiential learning across the university.
As Vice Provost, Cassel will provide academic leadership for Illinois Tech Mumbai, working with faculty and academic teams across the Chicago and Mumbai campuses to maintain academic standards while advancing interdisciplinary learning, innovation, experiential education, and global industry engagement.
Commenting on his appointment, 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. The Mumbai campus, located in Godrej Business District, will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in STEM and business, supported by experiential learning, international faculty, and industry partnerships. Applications for the inaugural Fall 2026 intake are currently open.
