Manning CICS Announces Leadership Updates for Fall 2026

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Several faculty and staff members at the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) are stepping into new leadership roles as the college begins the fall 2026 semester, with appointments and transitions across academic programs, research, faculty development, and operations.  

Neena Thota has been named associate dean for educational programs and teaching, taking over the role from Ramesh Sitaraman, who served in the position for the last four years. Ben Marlin will serve as chair of the faculty, following Erik Learned-Miller who has held the position since 2022. 

Brian Levine has been named associate dean of research and engagement, a role previously held by James Allan, who transitioned in July to the newly created post of senior associate dean of operations. Levine previously served as associate dean of information technology and facilities. As part of the transition, responsibilities associated with that role will be shared between the senior associate dean of operations and UMass Amherst Information Technology.   

Alexandra Meliou has been named associate chair of faculty development, while Tim Richards will serve as associate chair of teaching development. In these roles, Meliou and Richards will support faculty growth across the college, with particular attention to professional and teaching development, respectively. 

"These faculty bring to their roles a wealth of experience in supporting students, as well as expertise in their respective fields,” Allan said. "We look forward to their supporting the college’s teaching, research, and operations in the year ahead.” 

The appointments and transitions bring both continuity and new perspectives to the college’s leadership team.