Brad Putman Named New Garman Dean of the College of Engineering

by Mike Ferlazzo

Following a nationwide search, Bucknell has hired Brad Putman as its new Richard E. Garman Dean of the College of Engineering. Putman previously served as associate dean for undergraduate studies in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences at Clemson University. He took office at Bucknell July 1.

Originally from New York’s Southern Tier, Putman earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in civil engineering from Clemson. Upon completion of his Ph.D., he joined the faculty in Clemson’s Glenn Department of Civil Engineering. Putman was named interim associate dean for undergraduate studies for the college in November 2016 and became the permanent associate dean in August 2017. His research is focused on construction materials and pavement engineering.

“Bucknell has an excellent reputation for undergraduate engineering education, and that’s something that drew me to this opportunity,” Putman says. “I am looking forward to working with and supporting the faculty and staff in the college to build on the already outstanding experiences for Bucknell engineers and computer scientists. We will develop the leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs of the future. I am honored and excited for the opportunity to lead Bucknell’s nationally ranked College of Engineering.”

Photo: Emily Paine

New dean Brad Putman wants to “build on the already outstanding experiences for Bucknell engineers and computer scientists.”

Putman is currently a co-principal investigator for a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to lead the transformation of Clemson’s civil engineering curriculum as part of the NSF Revolutionizing Engineering Departments program. He also led the development of a strategic plan for undergraduate studies in the engineering college, among other initiatives.

Bucknell President John Bravman says Putman’s background in shaping Clemson’s undergraduate engineering and computing experience and his commitment to undergraduate education made him the top choice to lead the College of Engineering.

“Brad’s passion for building a superior student experience was apparent,” Bravman says. “He has a proven track record of building successful programs at Clemson, and we look forward to welcoming him to Bucknell to enhance the educational experience for our engineering students.”

Putman succeeds Pat Mather, who departed last August to become dean of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University. Professor Erin Jablonski, chemical engineering, served as interim dean following Mather’s departure.

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