"With so much happening at the University, I don't want to cause a slow down in the momentum that's been generated since the Top 20 Business Plan was put forward," said Subbaswamy, known by most people as simply Swamy. "I think it's critical that I do my learning and familiarization as quickly as possible."

That process of familiarization is, perhaps, easier for Swamy than other administrators new to UK.

For nearly 20 years, Swamy was a faculty member, department chairman in physics and astronomy and administrator in the College of Arts and Sciences here at UK. For the last six years, he was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind. Prior to that, he served in the same capacity at the University of Miami in Florida.

Yet, harkening to the theme of constant change, Swamy remarks more about the transformations that have occurred at UK in the last several years than the familiar.

"It's a completely different place than when I left in 1997," Swamy said, citing the integration of the main campus and medical center and the construction of buildings in engineering and biomedical research, among others. "The university looks very different and feels more dynamic … very forward looking. In multiple ways, it very much feels like a different place. So, I do have a lot to learn."

Swamy believes such transformations are critically important in a world that is changing rapidly and dramatically and one in which higher education is expected to play a leading role.

"As we look at the unfolding of the 21st century, there's no question in my mind that there will be a greater role for higher education than there’s ever been because of the knowledge economy and globalization," Swamy said between a rush of meetings recently. "All of the possibilities of what higher education can do – for the citizens, to students, to the state and to the country at large, can, in fact, be tried out at this institution."

As part of that effort, Swamy – even before he returned full-time to UK in July – led the effort to create the university's new three-year strategic plan. The new plan, which should be formally adopted this fall, outlines how UK will begin to translate the goal of becoming a Top 20 public research university into reality.

The plan will drive the university's efforts to dramatically increase the size of faculty and student enrollment, while also driving up the quality and amount of research being conducted at UK.

“I feel truly honored and excited to be returning to UK in an academic leadership position at this critical juncture in its history,” Subbaswamy said. “As a ‘complete’ university—a flagship land grant university with an on-campus medical school—UK has the opportunity to be a national model for the expanded role a public university of the 21st century should play in the state, nation, and the world.

“It will be a privilege to work with an extraordinary leader like Dr. Todd with his penchant for excellence, far-sighted vision, unbounded energy, and infectious enthusiasm. Lexington is where I have spent the most time in my life, and both my children were born here. My family and I are eager to make the most of this opportunity to return to our ’old Kentucky home!’”

Welcome from the Provost (video).
Welcome from the Provost (transcript).