Dr. Kendall T. Harris, standing left in the photo, with Duy-Loan T. Le, and Lisa Worrell at the 2016 Black Engineer of the Year Modern Day Technology Leaders luncheon, is a familiar and much-loved figure in the BEYA STEM community.

Recently at  Prairie View A&M University, where he served as dean of the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, Dr. Harris is the new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Texas Southern University. (TSU).

“Dr. Harris brings a wealth of experience and will help us enhance our academic programs and research efforts. We are glad to have him on our team that is dedicated to serving faculty, staff, and students,” said TSU President Austin A. Lane.

A licensed professional engineer, Dr. Harris began his tenure at Prairie View A&M University in 2005 as associate dean and professor of mechanical engineering.

Under his leadership, the college implemented the College of Engineering Success Center focused on retention. It offers supplemental instruction for freshman and sophomore students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses.

He also facilitated a program that partners advisors from each academic department within the college with advisors from the freshman residence complex. This collaboration works through a course that introduces engineering, computer science and technology concepts to first-year students.

Dr. Harris has held several faculty appointments. His external research efforts have garnered more than $10 million in research and program funding.

His research interests are in the fields of heat transfer, electronic package cooling, and energy conservation. He also has numerous publications and conference proceedings in these areas.

Dr. Harris has worked extensively with young people, encouraging them to pursue college degrees and to major in STEM-related fields. He recognizes that education is the key factor that separates the “haves” from the “have nots.”

Prior to joining the faculty at Prairie View A&M University, he served as associate professor and associate chairman for the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington.

In this capacity, he managed the budget, curriculum design, fellowships, and scholarships. He graduated from the Naval Aviation Officer School as a U.S. Naval officer and aviator.

Dr. Harris received his masters and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Mississippi and he holds bachelor degrees from the University of Kansas.