K-State honors Tim Bower and Eric Figge as Faculty and Professional Staff of the Week

Kansas State University recognized two outstanding employees at the Dec. 6 home basketball game: Tim Bower, professor of robotics and automation engineering technology and computer systems technology at K-State Salina, and Eric Figge, engineer I in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering's dean’s office.

Bower was selected as Faculty of the Week. He joined the university in 2004 and teaches undergraduate courses in programming, robotics, machine vision, numerical computation, operating systems, data structures and algorithms, and systems administration.

He is the author of the 2022 textbook "Introduction to Computational Engineering with MATLAB" and is the 2025 recipient of the Marchbanks Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence. Bower holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from K-State and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kansas.

Prior to joining K-State, he worked as a senior member of the technical staff at Sprint and later served as a systems administration manager and instructor at the university.

Figge was recognized as Professional Staff of the Week. He plays a critical role in the coordination and successful execution of major infrastructure projects across the College of Engineering, including remodels, relocations, HVAC repairs and upgrades, and other essential building improvements.

His recent leadership in clearing and relocating Unger Hall showcased his strong planning and problem-solving abilities.

Figge is known for his reliability, attention to detail and commitment to safety, routinely conducting proactive inspections and preventative maintenance to keep facilities operating smoothly.

The Faculty and Professional Staff of the Week recognitions are coordinated by Faculty Senate, the Office of the President and K-State Athletics. Recipients are selected by Faculty Senate caucuses, provided tickets to a home basketball game of their choice and honored during halftime as a small token of appreciation for their service to K-State.

— Submitted by Susanne Renberg