Brian Brown, NIAR director of Robotics and Automation, passed away Monday, Oct. 31. In his 20 years at Wichita State, Brian left a lasting imprint on multiple facets of Industry and Defense Programs, from network structure, to the success of multiple laboratories, to long-term friendships with countless students, faculty and staff. Among other things, he will be remembered for his charisma, personality, technical expertise and remarkable intellect.
A memorial scholarship has been established in Brian’s honor. Donations can be made here or mailed to the Brian Brown Memorial, c/o WSU Foundation, 1845 Fairmount, Campus Box 2, Wichita, KS 67260-0002. Funds will be used for tuition, fees, books and emergency needs for students working in NIAR’s Robotics and Automation Lab.
A graveside service will be held soon in Augusta. Brian’s obituary can be viewed here.
Memories, thoughts, stories and photos of Brian can be shared here.
Brian filled many roles – officially and unofficially – and his position will never fully be replaced. However, in the interim, Shawn Ehrstein, NIAR director of Emerging Technologies and CAD/CAM, will assume his responsibilities until we determine next steps.