Tau Beta Pi Names Outstanding Advisor (Aug. 2019)

Knoxville, TN — Tau Beta Pi, The Engineering Honor Society, has named its 25th Outstanding Advisor. The award honors engineering faculty and practitioners who make important contributions to students and collegiate chapters.

Kurt P. Rouser, USAF (ret), Ph.D., Ohio Eta ’11, is an assistant professor at Oklahoma State University. He is the 2019 Tau Beta Pi Outstanding Advisor and will be honored in October at the 114th annual Convention in Columbus, Ohio. An additional $1,000 grant will be presented to the Oklahoma State University College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology’s discretionary fund.

Established in 1996, the Outstanding Advisor Award recognizes outstanding performance among chapter advisors, lauds excellence in engineering education, and in the ethical practice of engineering. Dr. Rouser’s biography follows:

Dr. Rouser joined Oklahoma State University (OSU) in the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering in 2016 and also accepted the position of OK Gamma Chapter Chief Advisor and got to work. His impact immediately improved membership, provided support for chapter initiatives, and secured alumni involvement and donations for the struggling chapter.

Previously, Dr. Rouser was an assistant professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) before retiring from active duty and starting his tenure-track position at OSU. He served for three years as CO Zeta Chapter Chief Advisors.

At OSU, the chapter reported evidence of his work in the form of an honorable mention for the 2018 TBP Most Improved Membership Award. The OK Gamma Chapter has also hosted a District Conference, secured and worked on a project to have a Bent monument installed on campus, and hosted two alumni panels.

At USAFA, Dr. Rouser increased membership acceptance rate to nearly 100 percent and initiated more than 200 students, alumni, and eminent engineers, including a former NASA astronaut. With his encouragement and assistance, the CO Zeta Chapter submitted several nominations for TBP awards leading to one Laureate, two Distinguished Alumni, and two McDonald Mentor awards.

Dr. Rouser is also a natural teacher and mentor having received a USAFA Faculty of the Year award in 2014 and currently advising more than 20 undergraduate and six graduate research assistants.

For his “sustained service,” commitment to promoting excellence, and support of the Association and its ideals, Dr. Rouser is the 2019 Tau Beta Pi Outstanding Advisor. Click here to read the full press release.