Office of the Provost

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Indrajeet Chaubey for a second five-year term as Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR). This decision follows an exhaustive review conducted by a dedicated committee, tasked with evaluating Dean Chaubey’s leadership and overall contributions to the College over the last five years.

Dean Chaubey’s leadership has been characterized by significant achievements that align closely with the College’s mission and the broader goals of UConn. Under his guidance, the College has seen significant growth in enrollment, with record numbers of undergraduate and graduate students. In order to continue to meet the evolving needs of our students and the industries we serve, Dean Chaubey has led the development and implementation of innovative academic programs across CAHNR and the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture. These programs have not only enriched our educational offerings but have also positioned us as leaders in fields critical to sustainability, as well as human, animal, and environmental health.

Since Dean Chaubey’s arrival to UConn in 2019, CAHNR’s research enterprise has also seen significant growth, more than doubling in five years to $41.5 million in FY23. This is thanks in part to Dean Chaubey’s ability to effectively foster a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, investment in faculty success, and the advancement of the College’s Strategic Vision which is aligned with UConn and CAHNR’s strengths. The recognition our research has received, both nationally and internationally, is a testament to the vibrant scholarly environment he has nurtured.

Furthermore, Dean Chaubey’s adept administrative skills have greatly enhanced our operational efficiency and transparency, creating a supportive atmosphere that enables both faculty and staff to excel. His commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has been reflected across various dimensions of the College’s activities, from recruitment to programming, contributing to a more equitable academic environment.

Dean Chaubey’s engagement with stakeholders—ranging from faculty and staff to alumni, industry partners, governmental agencies, and the communities we serve—has significantly strengthened the College’s external relationships. During his first term, Dean Chaubey led efforts to expand the impact of UConn Extension in all 169 of Connecticut’s municipalities. With nearly 174,000 residents reached through 506 programs across the state in 2023 alone, UConn Extension’s ability to authentically engage with our communities continues to grow. These relationships have been pivotal in expanding our resources and enhancing our educational, research, and service capabilities.

As we look ahead, I am confident in Dean Chaubey’s ability to continue to lead CAHNR with distinction and foresight. The ongoing dialogue he maintains with our community is vital in shaping a transparent and inclusive future for the College.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the members of the review committee for their commitment and thoroughness throughout the evaluation process. Special thanks to Dean Philip Hritcko, Professor Mary Anne Amalaradjou, Tina Burnham, Professor Bonnie Burr, Professor Robert Day, Professor Elaine Lee, and Professor Justin Nash, who spent countless hours gathering feedback, analyzing data, and compiling a comprehensive report that has been extremely valuable in guiding this decision.

Thank you once again to all members of our community for your unwavering support of our mission and your contributions to our success as a land-grant institution. As we move into the summer, I wish each of you a season filled with growth, reflection, and well-deserved rest.

Sincerely,

Anne

Anne D’Alleva, PhD
Provost and Executive Vice President
University of Connecticut
Office of the Provost
352 Mansfield Road, U-1086
Storrs CT 06269-1086
Tel. 860-486-4037

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