Cleveland – Dr. Jianping Zhu – an accomplished researcher in applied mathematics, whose work spans the fields of economics, chemistry, genetics, fluid dynamics, nanotechnology and quantum mechanics – has joined Cleveland State University as Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.  Dr. Zhu began at CSU on January 3.

Since 2005, Dr. Zhu has been the chair of the Mathematics Department at the University of Texas at Arlington.  For the past 20 years he has successfully applied mathematical modeling, numerical algorithms and computational simulations to a broad range of fields, such as social sciences, environmental science, biomedical engineering and physics.

“Dr. Zhu brings an extraordinary breadth of knowledge to the University, which will enable him to augment a wide variety of graduate and research projects,” said CSU President Ronald Berkman. “This important appointment underscores the University’s continuing commitment to enhancing our research efforts.”            

As dean, Dr. Zhu will facilitate new interdisciplinary programs, help to increase funding and promote graduate and undergraduate research, said George Walker, Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies.

“Dr. Zhu has a special ability to look at a university broadly and bring people together,” Walker said. “This approach will foster a culture of collaboration and creativity that will add enormous value to new research and discoveries.”   

“As dean of the largest graduate school in the region, Dr. Zhu will play a key role in the area’s intellectual and workforce development,” said CSU Provost Geoffrey Mearns. “I am excited that he has chosen Cleveland State as the next step in a very successful career.”     

Dr. Zhu earned his Ph.D. in applied mathematics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He earned his master’s degree in computational mechanics from the Dalian Institute of Technology in China and his bachelor’s degree in computational mechanics from Zhejiang University in China.

Before joining the University of Texas, Dr. Zhu held faculty positions at The University of Akron and Mississippi State University. He was a former president of the Texas Association of Academic Administrators in Mathematical Sciences and secretary for the Association of Academic Directors and Chairs with the University of Texas.

About Cleveland State University
Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for engaged learning. With an enrollment of more than 17,000 students, 8 colleges and approximately 200 academic programs, CSU was again chosen for 2011 as one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.