Known at the University of Kentucky campus as “Swamy,” Dr. Kumble R. Subbaswamy, the UK provost since 2006, has a long relationship with the world of education and science.

In 1978, Subbaswamy became a member of the physics faculty at the University of Kentucky, where he stayed until leaving to serve as dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of Miami in 1997.

Upon joining the University of Kentucky staff in 1978, Subbaswamy has conducted research primarily optical properties of novel materials, and nonlinear excitations in physics. He also has published more than 60 research articles and co-authored a monograph, according to his biography.

During his first 18 years at the University of Kentucky, he served as associate dean of Arts and Sciences and as chairman of the department of physics and astronomy, also according to his biography.

Three years later, he became the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University, where he helped develop the biotechnology and international studies programs and a major reinvestment in the life sciences. While provost at Kentucky, he had top priorities of improving faculty tenure and promotion processes and undergraduate education. He remained in that position until 2006.

“During this time, he was active in the Committee for Institutional Cooperation (Big Ten), and a coordinator of the Association of American Universities Arts & Sciences Deans’ group,” his biography said. “He was very active in economic development efforts based on biotechnology in Central Indiana.”

Subbaswamy has been actively involved in national and international organizations, “speaking on the behalf of UK and its issues.” He has also “served as a member of the Board of the National Association of College and University Business Officers, and as Board Chair of the South Eastern Conference Academic Consortium.”

Students can meet and ask Subbaswamy questions at a forum at 3:45 p.m. Thursday in 2019 Morrill Hall.