Indian-origin Sethuraman “Panch”  Panchanathan, who is an expert in computer engineering and informatics is in the final lap with the leader of the world’s largest medical complex to become the next University of Arizona president.

The executive vice president and chief research and innovation officer at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise Development Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan along with Robert C. Robbins was named as top two finalists to replace UA President Ann Weaver Hart.

The Arizona Board of Regents had a discussion behind closed doors in Phoenix last week, over a short list of presidential candidates.

Regent Ron Shoopman of Tucson and co-chair of the UA presidential search committee, said Dr. Panchanathan and Dr. Robbins were the only two who said “yes” when asked if they were willing to go forward.

“We feel they both have the potential to lead the UA into the future in a dynamic way,” Shoopman said of the finalists.

Both the finalists will be again interviewed on Monday (March 6th) by the regents, who will be deciding, whom to eliminate among the two contenders and two days later, on Wednesday, the finalist will come to Tucson to meet with the campus community, Shoopman said.

When Shoopman was asked why regents are eliminating one finalist, instead of inviting both of them to campus. “The search consultant that the board hired recommended the single-finalist approach” he said.

“Both the contenders are outstanding candidates and highly respected academic and research leaders”, said Chair Greg Patterson from Board of Regents.

Dr. Panchanathan has a special in technology that helps in increasing the quality of life for people with disabilities.

He received his doctorate in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Ottawa. Dr. Panchanathan has been with ASU since 1997.

“I am honored to be at this stage in the board’s process to find the next president of the University of Arizona”, wrote in an email Dr. Panchanathan

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