CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Michael B. Bragg has been named interim dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois.
Michael B. Bragg
Bragg currently is the executive associate dean for academic and faculty affairs in the College of Engineering. He will begin his interim duties as dean on Aug. 16, when the current dean, Ilesanmi “Ade” Adesida, assumes the role of vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost of the Urbana campus.
“I am confident that the legacy of exceptional research and education at the College of Engineering will continue under Mike’s leadership,” Adesida said. “It has been an honor to work closely with him in the pursuit of excellence that the University of Illinois is known for. He has the experience and skills needed to guide the college during this transition.”
Bragg is an Illinois alumnus, completing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aeronautical and astronautical engineering at Illinois before earning his doctorate at Ohio State University in 1981.
Bragg returned to the U. of I. in 1990 as a faculty member, focusing his research and teaching on aerodynamics and flight mechanics. In particular, he is an internationally renowned expert on ice accretion on aircraft and its effect on flight safety. He was named the head of the aerospace engineering department in 1999.
Bragg joined the administration of the College of Engineering in 2006 as the associate dean for research and administrative affairs. In his current role, a position he has held since 2008, Bragg oversees all faculty members and academic personnel, manages the budget and resources of the college, and is very active in the college’s diversity activities and global initiatives.
“Mike Bragg’s experience and commitment situate him perfectly to step in and provide superb leadership for the College of Engineering next year,” said Richard Wheeler, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost.
