Arnab Chakraborty

Arnab Chakraborty serves as Professor and Dean of the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Utah since July 2023. Under his leadership, the college has expanded academic programs, established new scholarships, and significantly increased research impact, including the 2024 integration of the top-ranked Division of Games and upcoming 2025 additions of a BA in Architectural Studies and BS Design Studies track, doubling undergraduate enrollment.

His educational credentials include:

• Bachelor of Architecture from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
• Master of Urban Planning and Policy from University of Illinois at Chicago
• Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture, Planning, and Preservation from University of Maryland

Dr. Chakraborty is an internationally recognized scholar specializing in community planning dynamics, with core research in land use regulation, housing affordability frameworks, strategic regional planning, and climate-resilient development. His work on managing growth and change in communities forms the empirical backbone for Federal Highway Administration planning guidelines, securing over $2 million in competitive grants that directly improve urban planning practices nationwide.

His professional recognition includes:

• Distinguished Alumnus Award by the University of Maryland (2024)

As academic leader, Dr. Chakraborty directs major institutional growth including a $25 million university investment to establish Games research leadership and expanded campus facilities. He actively shapes the field through editorial roles at the Journal of the American Planning Association, governance in the Consortium for Scenario Planning, and accreditation leadership with the Planning Accreditation Board, while mentoring emerging planners through enhanced career support initiatives.