Bindhu Alappat, Ph.D.
Bindhu Alappat, Ph.D.
Vice President, Academic Affairs
Email: balappat@holyfamily.edu
Background
Bindhu Alappat, Ph.D., has been appointed as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Holy Family University, beginning her role on August 1, 2024. With over 15 years of experience in Catholic higher education, Dr. Alappat has demonstrated exceptional leadership as both a chemistry professor and an academic administrator. Her career spans significant contributions to student success, academic innovation, and fostering inclusive educational environments.
Prior to joining Holy Family University, Dr. Alappat served as the Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. There, she was instrumental in creating academic pathways for transfer students, expanding support for first-generation students, and developing new programs to align with market demands. She also introduced various initiatives to support women and BIPOC students, further solidifying her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Dr. Alappat's tenure at Saint Xavier University in Chicago further highlights her passion for STEM education and community building. As a professor and later Interim Dean, she founded the “STEM Studio,” implemented supplemental instruction, peer mentoring program, and championed faculty-student research collaborations. Her efforts to democratize education have earned her accolades like the Teacher Scholar Award and the Mission Award.
Her leadership extended to securing major grants as Principal Investigator, including an NSF grant focused on improving undergraduate STEM education, increasing graduation rates, and persistence in STEM fields. Additionally, she spearheaded a Department of Education grant aimed at revamping the university's math and computer science curricula.
Dr. Alappat earned her Ph.D. in chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Maryland. Widely published and recognized for her scholarly contributions, she continues to advocate for academic rigor and excellence, driven by data-informed decision-making and strategic innovation.
At Holy Family University, Dr. Alappat is poised to lead with a collaborative, student-centric approach, ensuring that the institution’s mission aligns with the evolving needs of students and the broader academic community. Her vision for higher education, rooted in Catholic values, is centered on empowering students and faculty to achieve their full potential in a rapidly changing world.