UND names new aerospace dean

Robert Kraus, an skilled pilot, aerospace administrator, aerospace educator and a retired Air Drive colonel, has been named dean of the UND John D. Odegard College of Aerospace Sciences, following a nationwide search.

“I’m honored and humbled to be chosen for this place, and I look ahead to becoming a member of the excellent school, employees and college students in Aerospace Sciences and the College of North Dakota neighborhood,” Kraus mentioned in assertion. “The college has an extended and profitable historical past of training and coaching college students, conducting analysis and supporting the financial growth of the area that I hope to construct upon.”

Kraus will exchange outgoing dean Paul Lindseth who’s stepping right down to return to his place as professor inside the aviation division. Kraus will start his time period on Jan. 15. Lindseth will proceed to function dean by Jan. 14.

Paul Lindseth, who has served as dean of the John D. Odegard College of Aerospace Sciences since 2016, is stepping down from the deanship on Dec. 31 to return to his former place as professor of aviation. He has been with UND for 32 years. UND photograph

Kraus presently serves as affiliate dean of flight and operations at Kent State College in Ohio, the place he helps lead the skilled flight applications and oversees all points of its airport operations, together with upkeep and security.

Kraus joined Kent State following a 28-year profession within the U.S. Air Drive. His remaining task was in Paris, France, the place he was head of the operations and coordination division within the NATO Science and Expertise Group Collaboration Help Workplace, based on a UND press launch.

In his profession, he earned the Legion of Advantage, Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters.

“We’re so happy to welcome Dr. Kraus to the John D. Odegard College of Aerospace Sciences, UND and the state of North Dakota,” mentioned Debbie Storrs, interim provost and vice chairman for educational affairs at UND.

Storrs mentioned Kraus brings “a variety of expertise spanning larger training instructing and administration, flight and operations administration and analysis management expertise.”

“His array of expertise and achievement is an ideal match for the progressive spirit and wealthy historical past of the college,” UND President Andrew Armacost mentioned. “He’ll undoubtedly lead the scholars, school and employees to even higher heights.”

Kraus graduated from the Air Drive Academy with a level in aeronautical engineering. He earned his grasp’s diploma in mechanical engineering from Georgia Institute of Expertise and his doctorate in aerospace engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State College.

Kraus has overseen initiatives and applications in most of the areas that the Odegard College now focuses on, UND mentioned in a press launch. As chief scientist and director of analysis on the Air Drive Academy, Kraus oversaw the execution of the Academy’s $60 million-plus analysis applications, coordinated the actions of 21 analysis facilities and institutes and leveraged funding from greater than 150 authorities and business companions.

As flight take a look at marketing consultant for Golden Arm Associates in Henderson, Nev., Kraus educated the corporate that was tasked with testing the Air Drive’s remotely piloted plane.