Dean Sanjay Raman

The Riccio College of Engineering at UMass Amherst is entering a new era, defined by visionary leadership, a strategic commitment to the future, and a vibrant community of donors whose generosity fuels progress at every level.

Under the guidance of Daniel J. Riccio Jr. Dean of Engineering Sanjay Raman, the college is not only building on its legacy but also charting a bold course for the future of engineering.

With a distinguished career at public academic, nonprofit research and government institutions, Dean Raman brings a deep appreciation for the mission of land-grant universities.

“As a land-grant institution, our mission is to serve the people and industries of the Commonwealth, and make world-class education accessible to all, regardless of background,” he says. “And we’re also here to serve the greater community, ensuring that the knowledge and innovations developed at the Riccio College of Engineering have a real and lasting impact far beyond our campus.”

Early in his tenure, Dean Raman established a strategic framework, “Revolutionary Engineering: 2025 and Beyond,” that continues to guide the college’s trajectory.

This plan sets forth ambitious goals:

• to be the destination of choice for diverse, talented students;

• to lead in transformational research; to foster industry partnerships;

• and to create an inclusive, innovative community.

And now, with Dan Riccio’s transformational $50 million gift to name the college, the pace of achieving these goals is greatly accelerated.

The Riccio gift is a transformative investment that empowers Dean Raman to continue shaping a future-focused vision for students and faculty. He sees this “as more than a gift; it is a profound investment in the potential of our students, faculty, and staff to drive meaningful change and tackle society’s greatest challenges with ingenuity.” Part of this gift is a new endowed deanship, which enables Raman to advance the mission and goals of the college.

“The endowed deanship is a catalyst for progress,” Dean Raman says. “It gives us the flexibility to invest in emerging opportunities, support innovative research, and ensure our students and faculty have the resources they need to excel. It’s about empowering people to do their best work and make a difference.”

The future of the Riccio College of Engineering is bright, but its continued success depends on the partnership and vision of donors at every level.