UA Little Rock Names Tansel Karabacak Dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has announced that Dr. Tansel Karabacak has been named dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (DCSTEM), effective July 1.
A longtime faculty member and nationally recognized researcher, Karabacak brings more than two decades of leadership, teaching, and research experience to the role. He currently serves as director of the School of Physical Sciences, where he has played a pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary research and growing the school into one of the university’s most research-active academic units.
“Dr. Karabacak’s dedication to student success, research excellence, and interdisciplinary innovation makes him the ideal person to lead DCSTEM into its next chapter,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ann Bain. “He is widely respected across campus for his collaborative approach.”
Karabacak succeeds Interim Dean Jeff Connelly who has served during the academic year after Dr. Lawrence Whitman left for a deanship at Kennesaw State University.
“I’m grateful for Jeff’s leadership during this transition,” Bain said. “His steady guidance helped maintain the college’s momentum and positioned it well for this next phase under Dr. Karabacak’s leadership.”
Karabacak brings a strong record of strategic leadership and research success. As director, he guided the integration of the Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics and Astronomy programs, uniting them under the School of Physical Sciences. Under his leadership, faculty have secured approximately $9 million in grant funding and expanded research collaborations across disciplines.
An Arkansas Research Alliance Fellow, Karabacak holds multiple U.S. patents and has received several university and national awards for his research in nanostructured materials and energy applications. His lab continues to mentor doctoral students while supporting research funded by agencies such as NASA, the Department of Energy, and the National Science Foundation.
“I am truly honored to serve as the next dean of DCSTEM,” Karabacak said. “Our faculty and staff are committed to innovation, collaboration, and creating opportunities for students. I’m excited to build on the college’s momentum and strengthen our impact on the university, the state, and beyond.”
Karabacak earned his Ph.D. in physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and joined UA Little Rock in 2006. He has served in a wide range of academic leadership roles, including graduate coordinator, department chair, and director.