Proven Leader
Ron Elsenbaumer begins provost duties after spurring advances as research vice president
UT Arlington embarked on a new era in academic leadership this fall as Ron Elsenbaumer became provost and vice president for academic affairs. Most recently he was the University’s vice president for research and federal relations.
Dr. Elsenbaumer has played a significant role in strengthening UT Arlington’s research profile, particularly in science, engineering, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.
“He fully understands the totality of the University,” President James D. Spaniolo says. “We could not ask for a more dedicated, more skillful leader to help guide UT Arlington as it becomes a major national research institution.”
As provost, Elsenbaumer is the University’s chief academic officer, overseeing all colleges, schools, research, and academic programs. He succeeds Donald Bobbitt, who became president of the University of Arkansas System in October.
An educator for more than 30 years, Elsenbaumer’s research interests include electrically conductive polymers, mechanistic organic and polymer chemistry, and environmentally friendly lubricant additives. He has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications, holds 42 U.S. patents, and has secured millions of dollars in external research funding.
He earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Purdue University and his doctorate in chemistry from Stanford University. He worked in the private sector for Allied-Signal, a major industrial company, before joining UT Arlington in 1991 as chair and director of the Materials Science and Engineering Department.
Elsenbaumer previously served as interim provost, chair of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, and director of the Nanotechnology Research and Teaching Facility. A full professor since 1991, he holds a dual appointment in the College of Science and the College of Engineering.
