University Affairs

Gen. Bruce Carlson Appointed to USU Research Foundation Board of Trustees

Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Bruce Carlson was appointed to the Utah State University Research Foundation board of trustees.

In an announcement Aug. 11 during the Utah State UniversityAIAA Annual Conference on Small Satellites, retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Bruce Carlson was appointed to the Utah State University Research Foundation board of trustees.

The Research Foundation is the parent organization of the renowned Space Dynamics Laboratory.

“Bruce brings with him more than four decades of experience in the space and intelligence communities that, with his expertise, will help guide the Research Foundation and the Space Dynamics Laboratory in the years to come,” said Jeff Edwards, chairman of the USU Research Foundation. “He has been one the nation’s foremost leaders in his field, acquiring a deep understanding of the strategic needs of our country.”

Carlson had a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force with commands that included directing the Advanced Programs Office, senior military assistant to the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and senior military assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, commander of the 49th Fighter Wing, Commander of the 8th Air Force and Joint Functional Component Commander for Space and Global Strike. He completed his service in the Air Force in 2009 as the commander of the Air Force Material Command and was responsible for developing, acquiring and maintaining the aerospace power needed to defend the United States. Carlson’s many military decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.

“Bruce has been the vanguard of the military space industry for many years, and in addition to his insights and knowledge of that landscape, his remarkable organizational leadership will be an exceptional addition to an already strong and dynamic Board of Trustees,” said H. Scott Hinton, president of the USU Research Foundation. “It’s not surprising that he has a reputation for developing professional relationships based on a high degree of character.”

Carlson will be among 10 members of the USU Research Foundation board of trustees who support its mission to create and implement advanced technological solutions that benefit society through research and development, education and economic development. The USU Research Foundation business unit, the Space Dynamics Laboratory, was founded in 1959 and incorporated into the Research Foundation in 1988. SDL focuses on prototyping, demonstrating and deploying new technologies for remote sensing and data exploitation in three main areas: spacecraft instruments and systems aircraft; tactical reconnaissance sensors, avionics and ground stations; and advanced concepts for other military and scientific applications.

Following Carlson’s career in the U.S. Air Force, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates tapped him to be the director of the National Reconnaissance Office, and served in that position until 2012. During his tenure at the NRO, Carlson was responsible for the U.S. government’s agency in charge of designing, building, launching and maintaining America’s intelligence satellites.

“I have been associated with the Space Dynamics Lab for more than two years as a member of the SDL Guidance Council and have enjoyed that relationship immensely,” Carlson said.  “I look forward to being more involved in the operations and future growth of that great organization and the USU Research Foundation.”

Carlson received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Minnesota and a master of arts degree from Webster University.

Contact: Eric Warren, Utah State University Research Foundation, (435) 881-8439, eric.warren@usurf.usu.edu


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