MAE Department Head Robert E. Spall Retires

Aug. 27, 2019 — Robert E. Spall, former head of USU’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and a distinguished faculty member for nearly 23 years, retired from Utah State University College of Engineering this past May.

Spall joined Utah State University in 1996. Since that time, he served as an associate professor, and was promoted to the head of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in 2013.

During his six years as head, Spall built the reputation of the department and college and expanded academic services. Colleagues in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department say Spall provided a place for faculty and staff to take responsibility for their roles by providing guidance and resources for people to succeed.

“The state of Utah has never had an individual guard the interest of the state and the university as well as Dr. Spall,” said Thomas Fronk, an associate dean in the College of Engineering. “He created a well-ordered, high functioning department and is well respected by all of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering faculty.”

Spall departs with 28 years of service to higher education. Before joining USU, he taught at the University of South Alabama. Throughout his career, Spall specialized in the science of fluid mechanics.

“We all wish Dr. Spall and his wife, Chris, the best, and would be very happy for them to stay several more years,” said Fronk.

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Writer: Carson Wolf, eng.marketing@usu.edu