Robert J. Brunner

Robert J. Brunner serves as the Associate Dean for Innovation and Chief Disruption Officer at the Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he is also a Professor of Accountancy and the Arthur Andersen Faculty Fellow. Joining the college in 2017, Brunner has leveraged his extensive background in academia and research to foster innovative approaches within the business curriculum. He previously held positions in the School of Information Science, Department of Astronomy, and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise. With a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Johns Hopkins University and a strong foundation in physics from Purdue University, Brunner's academic journey includes affiliate roles across multiple departments, including Computer Science and Statistics. His research contributions span various fields, enhancing both theoretical understanding and practical applications in accountancy and data science. Through his leadership, he aims to prepare students for the challenges of a rapidly evolving business landscape, emphasizing the importance of innovation and adaptability in today's economy.