The College of Engineering is proud to announce Cory Budischak, PhD as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs following an internal search among several highly qualified candidates. Budischak will officially take over the position on January 1, 2025.
In his new position, he will work closely with his colleagues and the advising team to shape the curriculum, lead initiatives, and ensure students have the support and skills they need to succeed both in school and beyond.
“I am excited to foster a culture of teaching, learning, and support in my new role as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs among not just undergraduate students, but also the faculty and staff in the college,” says Budischak.
Budischak first joined the College in 2019 as an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. In 2022, he helped establish the College’s $1.5 million NSF grant to run the Sustainable Temple Energy and Power Scholars (STEPS) Program, funding curricular and co-curricular support for students. A first-generation college student himself, he wanted to provide a support system for students in a similar position to succeed and complete their degree.
His drive for student success is evident in his teaching philosophy as well. Budischak employs Problem Based Learning (PBL) in the classroom, beginning his courses with a question or problem students will work through during the semester. The overarching problem provides motivation for students to engage more deeply in the course material. In addition to PBL, he utilizes the Socratic method by way of asking students questions and leading them to the correct answer, with the primary goal of making students agents in their own learning.
Outside of the classroom, his professional pursuits focus on the transition to 100% renewable energy and visualizing the implementation of this energy system. He is currently a member of the Energy Efficiency and Electrification working group of Delaware’s Governor’s Energy Advisory Council, aiming to reduce emission by 50% by 2030 and eliminate emissions entirely by 2050. The group works towards active policy implementation in the state of Delaware. He brings this passion to work every day and aims to inspire the same enthusiasm in his students and colleagues.
He hopes to impact the College for years to come, stating, “I see my role as a catalyst for creating a culture of support and learning, not just for the undergraduate students, but also for the professors who teach those students and the staff who provide essential services for them.”