Dr. Brown was born and raised in Prairie View and is the youngest son of the late Dr. Jonel, a professor in the College of Education and Claudia Brown, a teacher. He began his early education at the Prairie View Training School and Waller ISD schools. He holds the Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and the Master of Science and the Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and a Licensed Professional Engineer.
His impressive career spans more than
fifty years as an accomplished engineer, educator, administrator, researcher
and entrepreneur, where he made significant contributions to the field of
mechanical engineering and higher education in general, and the business world.
His academic experiences include serving
as a Professor of Mechanical Engineering the Dean of the School of Engineering
at the University of the Pacific, and a professor of Mechanical Engineering and
the Dean of the School of Engineering Technology at South Carolina State
University.
In addition to his academic acumen, Dr.
Brown served as a Program Director at the Engineering Directorate of the
National Science Foundation, Engineering Group Manager at General Motors
Corporation for design engineers, Principal Engineer and Unit Supervisor at
Ford Motor Company, managing design engineers focused on automotive innovations;
Research Engineer at Eastman Kodak Company and a Design Engineer at Pratt and
Whitney Aircraft Company.
Some of Brown’s professional and civic
engagements include membership in American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American
Society of Engineering Education, Sigma Xi (National Scientific Research
Society, Tau Beta Phi National Engineering Honor Society and Phi Kappa Phi
National Honor Society. His civic engagement include serving as a Program
Evaluator for the following accrediting bodies: the Western Association of
Schools and Colleges, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Proposal Evaluator for the
National Science Foundation and a member of the Pacific Academic Affairs
Committee.
He has been recognized for his
contributions to the field of education as Principal Investigator for a
National Science Foundation TUES Phase 2 award and the CCLI Phase 1 award both
were cash awards totaling more than a half million dollars.. As a published professional, he has Co-authored
journal publication: “Online Finite Element Learning Modules as Active Learning
Tools” -Advances in Engineering Education, and regularly presented scholarly
studies on assessing finite element active learning modules and understanding
student improvement, learning styles, gender differences, and ethnic
differences and conducted workshops for engineering faculty interested in
developing Active Learning Finite Element Learning Modules.
Dr.
Brown’s dedication and contribution to education, research, and engineering has
left a lasting impact on the academic community and the field of mechanical
engineering. His work continues to inspire future generations of engineers and
educators.
The Men’s Breakfast is commemorating its
20-plus years at St. Francis of Assisi, and the current team include Donald
Sowell (Coordinator), Glenn Berry, Darryl Johnson, Charles Muse, Frederick V.
Roberts, Michael Sowell, William Sowell and Herbert Thomas.