Brasch appointed to tech development post at UNL

John Brasch, a technology entrepreneur and former business professor, has been appointed associate vice chancellor for technology development at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The appointment, effective June 27, was announced by Prem Paul, UNL vice chancellor for research. The position falls under Paul's administrative oversight.

Among Brasch's duties are to manage the evaluation, marketing, negotiating and licensing of university technologies, and to develop and implement a strategic plan to commercialize research technologies, breakthroughs and products created by UNL faculty and scientists. Brasch also will work to establish close ties with businesses, increase UNL's visibility and effectiveness in technology development, and work to improve relationships both internally and externally.

"We are delighted that Dr. Brasch has joined us in this leadership role," Paul said. "His business and academic backgrounds will greatly assist our Office of Technology Development. Our faculty and business clients will benefit from his experience."

"John will be an excellent addition to UNL. He will play an active role in strengthening the university's economic development role in Lincoln and in Nebraska," said Harvey Perlman, UNL chancellor.

Brasch is founder and past president of Senior Technologies Inc., now a Stanley brand. The company designs and manufactures safety and security products for the health-care industry.

Brasch also serves as CEO of Turun International Inc., an international holding company with European distribution operations. He was interim CEO of Family Services of Lincoln in 2004.

Prior to joining Senior Technologies Inc. in 1980, Brasch was a professor of business administration at UNL, where he established programming in international marketing. He holds master's and doctoral degrees in business administration from Washington University in St. Louis.

Brasch has served on the Building and Budget Committee of the American Health Care Association and on its Life Safety subcommittee. He is a past president of the Healthcare Manufacturer's Marketing Council; the Greater Nebraska Alzheimer's Association; the Nebraska Center for Excellence in Electronics, an electronics testing facility specializing in radio frequency testing to FCC and CE specifications; and chairs the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development Technology Council.

Brasch succeeds Kannan Grant who resigned in May. Dipanjan Nag served as interim director of the unit.

CONTACT: Mike Zeleny, Asst. Vice Chancellor, Research, (402) 472-3529