Source: Don Gruenbacher, 785-532-4692, grue@k-state.edu
Pronouncer: Gruenbacher is grew-in-bahk-er
Photo available. Visit http://www.eece.ksu.edu/~grue/
News release prepared by: Mary Rankin, 785-532-6725, mrankin@k-state.edu
Friday, June 1, 2007
GRUENBACHER TO BE NEW HEAD OF K-STATE'S DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
MANHATTAN -- Don Gruenbacher has been named head of the department of electrical and computer engineering at Kansas State University, effective Aug. 12.
An associate professor, Gruenbacher joined the faculty in the K-State College of Engineering in 1997. He was promoted to associate professor in 2002, and currently serves as the graduate program coordinator of electrical and computer engineering.
He received a bachelor's in electrical engineering in 1989, a master's degree in 1991, and a doctorate in 1994, all from K-State. Gruenbacher's areas of interest are computer networks, digital design and wireless communication.
His goals for the electrical and computer engineering department include continuing its strong undergraduate program while enhancing the graduate program with more collaborative research opportunities.
Gruenbacher served three years as senior staff at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md., before coming to K-State. He also completed engineering internships with both Motorola Inc. and IBM. He received the Eta Kappa Nu Distinguished Faculty Award of Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2003.
"Don Gruenbacher will bring a superb set of abilities to this important leadership position," said Richard Gallagher, interim dean of the College of Engineering. "We look forward to the continued growth of the department in its three-part mission of education, scholarship and professional service."
Gruenbacher will replace current interim department head, Anil Pahwa, who will remain with the department in a teaching and research role.