Bud Baeslack '78, Dean of the Rensselaer School of Engineering, has accepted the position of Dean of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University. Five years ago, Dr. Baeslack left an administrative position at Ohio State to become RPI's Dean of Engineering. Prior to receiving his Ph.D. from Rensselaer, he received both his batchelor's and master's degrees from OSU. So, he will be returning home by accepting this position.

Dr. Baeslack has participated in a number of RCNJ events and activities since he became Dean of Engineering. For instance, he was in attendance when Howard Isermann presented his Ruth-Gehrig baseball to the Yogi Berra Museum back in 2002. He also spoke at a dinner in February 2003 on the topic of The Process of Academic Transformation.

In a statement regarding Dr. Baeslack's resignation, Shirley Ann Jackson, President of Rensselaer said:

For the five past years, Dean Baeslack has led the School of Engineering with a steady hand and a clear vision. Under his leadership, the school has played a central role in advancing the Rensselaer Plan's initiatives and bolstering the strength of undergraduate and graduate education. The School of Engineering has hired 34 outstanding junior and senior tenure-track faculty; identified key research areas that build upon the university's core engineering strengths; supervised and supported new multidisciplinary programs and laboratories; and helped to increase School of Engineering research awards.

Campus.News says that an international search has been launched for a new Dean of Engineering. It will be headed by Dean Joseph Flaherty of the Rensselaer School of Science.

The RCNJ wishes Dr. Baeslack the best in his new position.