Burns named associate chair of admin and finance, Haas takes over leadership of undergrad programs

Adjo Amekudzi-Kennedy
Amekudzi-Kennedy
Susan Burns
Burns
Kevin Haas
Haas
Jim Mulholland
Mulholland

Two faculty members are taking on new responsibilities as associate chairs of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering this month.

Karen and John Huff School Chair Donald Webster announced that Susan Burns will be the new associate chair for administration and finance, and Kevin Haas will take over Burns’ former role as associate chair for undergraduate programs.

The appointments round out the group of associate chairs who help Webster direct the School’s programs and operations. James Mulholland and Adjo Amekudzi-Kennedy remain part of the leadership team, albeit with slightly different responsibilities. Mulholland is now the associate chair for graduate programs and research innovation; Amekudzi-Kennedy is associate chair for global engineering leadership and entrepreneurship.

Burns was associate chair for undergraduate programs for five years prior to taking on the administration and finance role. She came to Georgia Tech — her alma mater — in 2004 and has been the Georgia Power Distinguished Professor since 2013.

“[Burns] has become a widely respected administrator and leader across Georgia Tech,” Webster said in announcing her appointment. “She brings a deeply thoughtful perspective to her administrative responsibilities, and I have come to value her input immensely.”

Burns’ move opened the undergraduate programs position, which Haas fills starting in mid-August. The co-director of Georgia Tech’s Ocean Science & Engineering Ph.D. program, Haas has also been recognized by the provost’s office as one of the best instructors across campus.

“I know Kevin to be a thoughtful and dedicated collaborator, and I’m looking forward to his contributions to our undergraduate programs,” Webster said.

Kennedy and Mulholland largely continue the work they’ve been doing for the last four years, with slight shifts in responsibilities to reflect the School’s priorities in the years ahead, Webster said.

Kennedy will take on new efforts to shape the School’s educational activities related to entrepreneurship and innovation. Mulholland will be responsible for leading cross-cutting research efforts across the School, identifying new ways for faculty to collaborate in addressing grand challenges and technical innovation.