Former CSE dean receives MHTA Lifetime Achievement Award
Award honors lasting contributions to technology innovations in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (11/16/17) — University of Minnesota former College of Science and Engineering Dean Steven L. Crouch was one of two recipients of the 2017 Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) Tekne Lifetime Achievement Award for lasting contributions to technology innovation in Minnesota.
This year’s recipients highlight the importance of mentorship and guidance in STEM education. The other recipient was Bhabani Misra, associate dean at the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering.
Crouch, a professor emeritus in the University of Minnesota Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, received his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in mineral engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1966, 1967, and 1970, respectively.
Crouch has showcased the importance of research-based education. His research focuses on numerical modeling of problems in solid mechanics using boundary integral equation methods. He developed a special numerical method called the displacement discontinuity method, a widely used tool for solving problems ranging from crack propagation in elastic solids to the design of underground mining excavations.
During his more than 11 years as dean of the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering, the number of undergraduate applications to the College of Science and Engineering nearly quintupled and the college attracted some of the brightest students in its history. He also helped to strengthen the college’s research position through collaborative efforts to establish the Institute for Engineering in Medicine, the Minnesota Nano Center and the MnDRIVE Robotics Sensors and Advanced Manufacturing initiative. In addition, he gained approval for many new infrastructure improvements including the Physics and Nanotechnology Building, renovation of Lind Hall, and the building of Amundson Hall’s Gore Annex.
“STEM education is a major contributor to the success of Minnesota’s innovation economy,” said Margaret Anderson Kelliher, president and CEO of MHTA. “We are pleased to recognize these well-deserving individuals with Tekne Lifetime Achievement Awards for their phenomenal impact in the STEM disciplines.”
Crouch and Misra received their awards at the 2017 Tekne Awards on Nov. 15.