Academic Leadership
Kevin Cassel
Vice Provost, Illinois Tech Mumbai
Kevin W. Cassel is the inaugural vice provost of Illinois Tech Mumbai. A member of the Illinois Tech faculty for more than two decades as a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and applied mathematics, Cassel spent the previous four-plus years serving in a variety of administrative roles on Illinois Tech’s Chicago campus.
Most recently, Cassel served as vice provost for academic transformation, where he led university-wide efforts that focused on academic innovation and modernization, including strengthening how the university designs, assesses, and continuously improves its academic programs and student experience amid an ever-evolving higher-education landscape. Prior to that, he served as vice provost for academic affairs and as acting and then interim dean of Armour College of Engineering. During his time leading Armour, Cassel brought together key stakeholders to finalize the college’s strategic plan, played a central role in the development of the university’s National Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, and helped launch the Armour Academy for Experiential Learning and Student Success, an initiative meant to dovetail with the university-wide Elevate initiative and to ensure that Armour students receive sound academic and career advising through a range of mentoring platforms.
Before serving as acting and then interim dean, Cassel was a senior associate dean in Armour and a faculty member for 25 years, with a primary appointment in the Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering and a joint appointment in the Department of Applied Mathematics. A fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and an associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Cassel has been the recipient of multiple teaching awards while at Illinois Tech, including the MMAE Excellence in Teaching Award, the University Excellence in Teaching Award, and is a two-time recipient of the Ralph L. Barnett Excellence in Teaching Award.
Cassel received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Messiah College and an M.S. and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University.
| Kevin Cassel Email: cassel@illinoistech.edu |
| Hemanshu Kaul Email: kaul@illinoistech.edu |
| Elizabeth O’Hara Johnson Email: ejohns20@illinoistech.edu |
| Bhoopesh Mishra Email: bmishra3@illinoistech.edu |
Administrative Leadership
Shyamal Gupta
Chief Operating Officer, Illinois Tech Mumbai
Shyamal Gupta is responsible for overseeing operations, driving institutional growth, and ensuring the successful execution of Illinois Tech’s India strategy. A key focus area is bridging global academic excellence with India’s evolving educational and industry requirements. His expertise in financial management, operational excellence, and data-driven decision-making plays a key role in strengthening the university’s positioning in India’s evolving higher-education landscape.
Gupta brings leadership experience across leading institutions, including Ernst & Young, The World Bank, and SRMS Trust, where he led institutional builds in education and health care.
Gupta is also known for his ability to navigate complex organizational environments, lead cross-functional teams, and engage diverse stakeholders to deliver long-term value. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, adaptability, and data-driven decision-making, with a strong focus on driving meaningful outcomes.
| Shyamal Gupta Email: sgupta114@illinoistech.edu |