University of North Florida Appoints New School of Computing Director

Joanna Norris, Associate Director 

Department of Public Relations 

(904) 620-2102 

The University of North Florida has affirmed the appointment of Dr. Asai Asaithambi as the new director of the School of Computing in the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, while the UNF Board of Trustees awarded his tenure as a professor of Computer Science.  

“Asai is an extremely talented researcher and teacher with an international reputation in computational science,” said Dr. Mark Tumeo, dean of the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction at UNF. “He is an excellent administrator and as director, will help lead the School in becoming a recognized leader in computing.” 

Prior to arriving at UNF, Asaithambi, a Ponte Vedra Beach resident, last served as chair and professor for the Computer Science Department in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Dakota. While there, he obtained a nearly $600,000 National Science Foundation grant titled “Getting American Indians to Information Technology (GAIn-IT) as well as proposed, developed and implemented a doctoral program in computational science and statistics.  

From 1998 to 2004, he served as chair and associate professor for the Computer Science Department in the Parks College of Engineering, where he established a new departmental computer laboratory and assisted in the development of the curriculum for the School of Professional Studies Computer Science Technology Program. 

Asai has received numerous awards and honors, including the Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Outstanding Faculty of the Year, both from Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. He also received the School for Professional Studies Excellence Award for Student Mentoring from Saint Louis University and has been listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.  

He received his doctorate in Computer Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, while he received both his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras, India.  

The College of Computing, Engineering and Construction at UNF offers exciting and demanding degree programs that lead to highly rewarding careers. One of the College’s hallmarks is the interaction of the faculty with students on research projects. Faculty members are committed to preparing students to make significant contributions to their chosen professions in the Northeast Florida region and beyond. 

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