Computer Science department faces hiring obstacles heading into 2026-27 academic year

By Gia Smart \ Sept. 29, 2026

Following long-time Professor Dr. Barbara Johnson’s retirement in the Spring of 2026, the Maryville College Math and Computer Science Department was faced with the task of hiring a new computer science professor.

Since Johnson’s arrival at College Hill in 2001, the need for a computer scientist at Maryville College has become increasingly important to maintain a competitive program.

Dr. Jeff Bay, math and computer science department chair, said that he, along with the dean and president, thought it was “necessary to have a computer scientist on faculty to support our computer science students.” 

“Obviously to teach the classes, but also have a full-time member on the faculty that they can consult with whether it’s on specific concepts or looking towards the future,” Bay said.

The department began its hiring process in the spring of 2026 and eventually hired a recent graduate of the University of Southern California, Dr. Ashwin Rao, to work as a full-time computer science professor. With two new opportunities offered, Rao had to make a choice: temporarily delay his start at Maryville College or turn down a post-doctoral research opportunity at Harvard.

“Delaying my start at Maryville was one of the hardest professional decisions I have had to make,” Rao said. “At the same time, I felt that building relationships and gaining experience at Harvard could ultimately benefit not only me, but also the students I hope to work with at MC.”

Rao’s delayed start led the department to begin looking for a visiting professor to fill in for the 2026-27 academic year. The department hired Dr. Tanvir Hossain, a PhD graduate from Georgia State University. Getting Hossain from Georgia to Maryville College provided unexpected obstacles.

“I had to secure accommodation and complete a number of logistical and administrative processes associated with relocating and beginning a new position. It took time and required some adjustment, but the support I received from Maryville College made the transition much easier,” said Hossain.

These difficulties meant the hiring process would not be fully finalized until a few days before the first day of classes for the 2026 fall semester. This delay meant computer science students were left wondering what the program would look like heading into the academic year.

“We didn’t know what was going on until Dr. Bay sent us an email a few days before classes started,” said Gabriel Day (’28), a computer science student. “I remember being concerned if my class was still going to be offered and how it would impact my academic progress.”

While this may have caused stress for students, Bay’s biggest priority was ensuring students’ academics remained untouched and prioritized. With this in mind, the department was able to offer the full computer science course selection, and Hossain has been helping students with their senior studies. Hossain and his work here has elicited a positive response from students.

“So far I really enjoy having Dr. Hossain as a professor for this year. He has been able to support students and has always worked really hard. I am excited to continue to work with Hossain for this year and eventually meet Dr. Rao,” Day (‘28) said.

“As an instructor, one of the most rewarding things for me is seeing students develop their programming, problem-solving and project-development skills. I am excited to work with them throughout the year and hopefully see them become more confident programmers who are well prepared for their future professional careers,” Hossain said.

Rao has been spending his time working on postdoctoral research at Harvard focusing on politics, identities, and how online culture has changed over time, as well as examining how Artificial Intelligence has impacted these ideas.

“My hope is to bring those connections, ideas and opportunities back to Maryville. That could include research collaborations, guest speakers, mentorship, and helping students learn about opportunities to conduct research beyond their home institution,” Rao said.

Rao is also looking to the future of the MC computer science program and is excited to meet and work with students, faculty and staff at the college.

“I want to bring the interdisciplinary perspectives of computer science to students at Maryville. I am excited about the conversations, collaborations, discoveries, and opportunities ahead. I think there are exciting times ahead for the College and its students,” Rao added.

To learn more about Rao’s research at Harvard, visit www.ashwinia.com/about