UMKC Chancellor C. Mauli Agrawal, Ph.D., is an experienced leader, award-winning educator, engineer, researcher and inventor. 

Agrawal’s chancellorship began June 20, 2018, after serving as interim provost at the University of Texas at San Antonio and dean of the College of Engineering. During his tenure as dean, Agrawal led the UTSA College of Engineering to a 40 percent increase in student enrollment, a 50 percent increase in faculty and a 400 percent increase in research funding. 

Rooted in Research

Agrawal’s research specializes in orthopedic and cardiovascular biomaterials/implants. He has been published more than 300 times in scientific journals and has authored 29 patents. He is a Fellow of Biomaterials Science and Engineering, the National Academy of Inventors, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. His bioengineering research group has been responsible for starting three companies in San Antonio.

Humble Beginnings

Agrawal was born in Allahabad, India, as the younger of two siblings. He grew up in a home without television, refrigerator or air conditioning. He was accepted into the Indian Institute of Technology, which had an acceptance rate of 1.5 percent and is considered to be one of the top schools in the country.

After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in technology, he worked for an automobile company in India as an engineer before deciding to pursue advanced degrees in the United States, earning a master’s degree from Clemson University and a doctorate from Duke University, both in mechanical engineering.

Agrawal and his wife of 30 years, Sue, have two children who both graduated from Rice University: Ethan with a degree in chemical engineering, and Serena with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Building a Community of Excellence

Since becoming UMKC chancellor, Agrawal has spent countless hours meeting with faculty, staff, students and alumni about what makes UMKC great and how it can be even stronger. In his first eight months on campus, he announced $40 million in new scholarships, launched two institutes on Data Science and Health Equity, created a task force to examine mental health issues and unveiled a new proposed home for UMKC performing arts programs.

Chancellor Agrawal continues his work to become a part of our university's vibrant history and build special relationships between UMKC and the Kansas City community — both past and present.  

Past Chancellors

2008-17: Leo Morton

2006-08: Guy Bailey

2000-05: Martha Gilliland

1992-99: Eleanor Schwartz

1977-92: George A. Russell

1968-76: James C. Olson

1965-67: Randall M. Whaley

1961-65: Charleton F. Scofield (President/Chancellor)

1956-61: Richard M. Drake (President)

1953-56: Earl J. McGrath (President)

1938-53: Clarence Decker (President)

1936-38: John Duncan Spaeth (President)

1933-36: E.H. Newcomb (Executive Secretary)