Kleanthis Psarris named interim chair of computer science

(Feb. 19, 2002)--Kleanthis Psarris, associate professor of computer science, has been named interim chair of the Department of Computer Science within the College of Sciences.

Psarris received doctoral and master's degrees in computer science, as well as a master's degree in electrical engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J.

Psarris joined UTSA's faculty as an assistant professor in 1995 after teaching four years at Ohio University. He is currently an associate professor of computer science.

The Department of Computer Science, which offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs has grown rapidly in recent years. Today, more than 700 students are pursuing undergraduate studies, and 100 students are working towards M.Sc. or Ph.D. degrees.

"One of the attractions for students is the opportunity for an excellent income, often without relocating far from home. Most computer science graduates find jobs quickly throughout the country, with starting salaries of $50,000 being common for entry level jobs in the Austin, Dallas, or Houston areas," said Psarris.

As for the future, Psarris says that the department is actively recruiting more students for the doctoral program as part of a broad strategic thrust by UTSA to become a flagship research university. Present staffing will be increased by 50 percent as additional research faculty are currently being recruited. Graduate students can participate in cutting edge research that will help define where computer science will go in the future.

"The first revolution in computer science was the personal computer, bringing powerful, effective computing to the desktop. The second wave has been the Internet, which permits individual computers to communicate and to share information. At this time we do not even know what the third revolution in computing will be," according to Psarris.

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TODAY'S HEADLINES:

Downtown Campus hosts African American Heritage Week events
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Kleanthis Psarris named interim chair of computer science
UTSA observes Women's History Week March 4-8
Faculty commended for service to students with disabilities

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