Purdue civil engineering professor and vice provost Robert Frosch awarded Charles S. Whitney Medal for advancement of engineering knowledge

Robert Frosch, a professor of civil engineering and vice provost for academic facilities, has been selected to receive the Charles S. Whitney Medal by the American Concrete Institute, in recognition of his advancement of engineering knowledge.

Frosch’s structural engineering research has resulted in substantive changes to engineering practice, including codes for buildings and bridges, and as vice provost he works to advance facilities additions and renovations across Purdue’s campus. He has also helped create research- and student-centered buildings, including Purdue’s Flex Lab and Bechtel Innovation Design Center.

“Robert’s passion has consistently been to advance the civil engineering profession,” said Provost Patrick Wolfe, “and he has been uniquely focused on doing so not only through his research in concrete design and bridge engineering but also through a deep commitment to education and professional service.”

Last awarded in 2023, the Charles S. Whitney Medal is given from time to time in recognition of engineering development work in concrete design or construction. Frosch was selected for his “lifelong contributions to the advancement of engineering knowledge that have impacted concrete practice and improved concrete design,” and will be honored at an upcoming American Concrete Institute gala.

A fellow of several major professional societies and winner of multiple national awards for his contributions to concrete research, Frosch joined Purdue in 1997 after earning his PhD in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. His Purdue teaching, research and service have been recognized through numerous university awards, including the Harold Munson Teaching Award, the Edmund M. Burke Outstanding Professor Award, the Roy E. and Myrna G. Wansik Civil Engineering Research Award, and the Ross Judson Buck Outstanding Counselor Award. He also has served in multiple leadership roles at Purdue, including executive director of strategic initiatives in the Office of Research and, most recently, senior associate dean for facilities and operations in the College of Engineering.