Prof. Braun will begin his duties as dean in January 2017

The Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering today announced the impending departure of Prof. Robert D. Braun, who has been appointed dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Braun will formally join the CU campus community in October and assume his role as dean in January 2017.

In his public announcement of Braun's appointment, CU Provost Russell L. Moore lauded the longtime Georgia Tech professor:

“From helping lead the team that put the first rover on Mars, to heading up large engineering organizations in the federal government, to growing Georgia Tech’s space science and space technology focus, Bobby has successfully led diverse teams through periods of dynamic growth in a manner that builds community, enhances quality and yields tangible results,” said Moore.“He is an outstanding scholar whose technical and organizational leadership skills will be an asset as we continue to strive for increasing our student success, creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and elevating our reputation. We are very excited to have Bobby join the CU Boulder leadership team.”

The founder and former director of Georgia Tech's interdisciplinary Center for Space Technology And Research (C-STAR), Braun, an NAE member, started his career at NASA Langley where he worked for 16 years. Since joining the Georgia Tech campus 13 years ago, he has played a significant role in the growth of the School's space-oriented research and educational endeavors.

News of his CU appointment was met with bittersweet regard by his Georgia Tech colleagues - chief among them School Chair Vigor Yang.

“We will truly miss our friend and colleague, Bobby Braun," said Yang.

"Bobby’s intellectual and career triumphs are points of pride for our community. He has been an outstanding faculty member in every measure. We have benefited from his vision, energy, and passionate dedication for more than 13 years.  We wish him the best as he moves on to this exciting new challenge.”

In acknowledging the impending move, Braun was quick to praise Georgia Tech.

“Georgia Tech will always have a special place in my heart. The School has provided me a remarkable opportunity to grow and contribute as a professional – building a new aerospace curriculum, pioneering research in space technology, mentoring faculty, and broadening the School’s collaborations within the Institute,” he said.

“I particularly appreciate the support, friendship, guidance and collaborative spirit of my Georgia Tech colleagues as we worked towards the betterment of the Institute and the nation. I will bring this spirit of innovation and dedication with me to Colorado.”

Braun’s appointment concludes a national search carried out by a CU search committee that attracted a large pool of candidates, said Moore.