UALR names Karabacak as dean of Donaghey College of STEM

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock on Monday (April 14) named Dr. Tansel Karabacak as 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 is director of the School of Physical Sciences, where he has played a 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 Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “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.

Karabacak has 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 doctorate 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.