MinerAlert
MinerAlert
The Miguel A. Loya College of Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso has named Shahriar Hossain, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Computer Science, formalizing a leadership role he has held in an interim capacity and marking a new phase for one of the college’s largest departments.
Hossain, a ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ faculty member for 13 years, said the transition represents more than a title change. He described it as a move from stewardship to long-term leadership, with a broader focus on sustainable growth, strategic planning and deeper engagement with faculty, students and the community.
His priorities include strengthening the department into a more self-sustaining and collaborative ecosystem by aligning resources with strategic goals, encouraging faculty collaboration across areas and building partnerships within the university and with external organizations. He said those efforts will help expand research, increase student involvement, create funding opportunities and deepen the department’s overall impact.
At the center of Hossain’s vision is a people-first approach that supports faculty, staff and students alike. He wants to create an environment where faculty can thrive, staff contributions are recognized, and students are prepared not just to use technology, but to understand and shape it.
“Our responsibility is not simply to teach tools,” Hossain said. “It is to teach students how to think — how to solve problems, adapt and lead. We must teach them how to ‘fish,’ not simply provide the ‘fish.’”
In an era defined by artificial intelligence and rapid technological change, Hossain said the department must remain grounded in strong fundamentals. He sees that foundation as essential to preparing students for careers in computer science, AI and related fields, as well as for success in disciplines where computing is increasingly central.
Hossain also emphasized the importance of student outcomes beyond the classroom. Success, in his view, includes graduates who move directly into the workforce as well as those who pursue advanced study at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ or top-tier universities elsewhere. Their achievements, he said, reflect the strength of the department and help carry ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s name forward.
At a broader level, Hossain said the department’s graduates already contribute across a wide range of industries, including technology, aerospace, manufacturing, finance, health care, retail, logistics, energy and government. That reach, he said, reflects the university’s long-standing role in advancing social mobility.
Kenith Meissner, Ph.D., dean of the Miguel A. Loya College of Engineering congratulated Hossain on the appointment and said his leadership will help position the department for continued growth. “I want to congratulate Dr. Hossain on this well-deserved appointment,” Meissner said. “He has demonstrated a strong commitment to building a collaborative and high-impact department. His focus on fundamentals, innovation and student success positions the Department of Computer Science to continue growing its influence in critical areas like artificial intelligence and preparing graduates who will lead across industries.”
Hossain said the department’s continued growth in artificial intelligence, data science and emerging technologies will be anchored in its existing computer science foundation. He pointed to the next wave of innovation, including “physical AI,” as an area where computing will increasingly intersect with the real world through systems, software and mathematics.
During his time as interim chair, Hossain focused on building collaborations, expanding interdisciplinary research and strengthening relationships with local schools and community partners. He said those efforts will now be scaled for broader impact as he works to build a department with lasting strength.
Still, he returns to a central theme: people.
He emphasized that the department’s success will be measured not by short-term activity or the appearance of momentum, but by the lasting impact it creates for students, faculty, staff and the broader ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ community. That means empowering others, supporting thoughtful collaboration and staying committed to a long-term vision that strengthens the department from within. With his formal appointment, Hossain is focused on advocating for resources, building a stronger foundation and guiding Computer Science toward sustained excellence in the years ahead.