Kojouharov takes on new leadership role as chair of mathematics department

Friday, Jan 16, 2026 • Greg Pederson :

 

With the start of the new year, the Department of Mathematics at The University of Texas at Arlington entered a new era of leadership as Hristo Kojouharov took over the role of department chair.

Kojouharov, a professor of mathematics who has been at UTA since 2000, replaces Jianzhong Su, a professor of mathematics who had served as chair since January 2012.

“We are very pleased to have Dr. Kojouharov take on the leadership role for the Department of Mathematics,” College of Science Dean Morteza Khaledi said. “He is a distinguished scholar and dedicated educator and brings a forward-thinking vision aimed at strengthening the department’s academic excellence, fostering collaboration, and expanding its impact on students, faculty, and the broader community.

“His appointment follows the dedicated leadership of Dr. Su, who helped elevate the department’s national profile, including recognition by the American Mathematical Society. We are grateful for Dr. Su’s outstanding service and look forward to his continued contributions as a member of the faculty.”

Kojouharov said he is excited about embracing a new role after 25 years of research, teaching, and mentoring students at UTA.

“I am honored to lead a department with such a rich tradition of scholarship and teaching,” Kojouharov said. “My vision is to create a collaborative and innovative environment where faculty and staff feel supported, students are inspired to achieve their full potential, and the department actively engages with the community. Mathematics is a cornerstone of modern science and technology, and our goal is to ensure that our programs remain relevant, rigorous, and responsive to the needs of society.”

Kojouharov outlined several strategic priorities for the department:

• Strengthening communication and transparency by defining clear roles, improving internal processes, and fostering open dialogue to build trust and teamwork.
• Enhancing visibility and reputation by recognizing faculty excellence, expanding social media outreach, and showcasing achievements to raise the department’s profile.
• Supporting faculty, staff, and students by advocating for resources, creating graduate student councils, and implementing targeted initiatives to improve student success.
• Modernizing curriculum and programs by introducing courses in emerging areas such as quantum computing and AI, developing industry-focused tracks, and integrating digital learning tools.
• Building partnerships and community engagement by establishing advisory boards, strengthening ties with industry and community colleges, and hosting conferences and outreach events.
• Expanding research and career preparation by supporting undergraduate research experiences, creating alumni mentorship networks, and offering workshops for academic and industry careers.

These strategic goals center on four pillars: empowered faculty and staff, innovative research, inspired students, and an engaged community, Kojouharov said. By aligning departmental initiatives with these principles, his goal is to position the Mathematics Department as a leader in education, research, and societal impact.

“Our department has an incredible opportunity to shape the future of mathematics education and research,” he said. “Together, we will build a dynamic, inclusive, and forward-looking academic community that prepares students for success and contributes meaningfully to the world.”

Kojouharov earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Wyoming in 1998 and then spent two years as a visiting assistant professor of mathematics at Arizona State University before coming to UTA. He has led National Science Foundation-funded initiatives in mathematical training for human health and undergraduate research, contributed to national efforts in STEM education and workforce development, and authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.

His research in mathematical biology and numerical analysis focuses on modeling biological systems through interdisciplinary collaborations that connect mathematics, life sciences, and computational modeling. He is primarily interested in the accurate mathematical modeling and theoretical analysis of biological phenomena including population dynamics, microbial biofilms, bone and muscle formation and growth, and the human immune system, among others.

Kojouharov served for years as graduate advisor for the department’s Ph.D. and M.S. programs. He also advises UTA’s Mathematical Association of America student chapter and has organized the annual UTA Calculus Bowl since its creation in 2001. He was named UTA Outstanding Academic Advisor - Faculty Advisor (Graduate) in 2024 and received the College of Science Excellence in Teaching Award (tenured faculty) in 2015.

During Su’s tenure as chair, the department received the 2013 American Mathematics Society Award for an Exemplary Program or Achievement in a Mathematics Department. In 2023, the AMS selected the department’s Bridge to Math Doctorate program for its Mathematics Programs That Make a Difference Award, which recognizes programs that increase the number of students from groups historically underrepresented in advanced mathematical degree programs.

Su also helped lead UTA’s GAANN (Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need) fellowship program, which provided U.S. Department of Education fellowships for qualified students to pursue a Ph.D. degree in mathematical sciences. He has served for many years on the board of the annual Fort Worth Regional Science and Engineering Fair and on the organizing committee of the annual Gulf States Math Alliance Conference.

Su’s research interests include computational neuroscience, applied mathematics, and partial differential equations. His recent work focuses on data science in agriculture, EEG source reconstructions and brain dynamics, and inverse problems with applications in optical tomography. He received the College of Science Distinguished Record of Research in 2024.
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