Pat Gunsch Named Executive Director of Duke’s Master of Engineering Management Program

Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering is pleased to announce that Pat Gunsch has been named Executive Director of the Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program for a three-year term beginning July 1.

Gunsch brings a broad range of leadership experience in engineering, operations and strategic consulting. Since joining Duke Engineering in 2022, he has served as managing director of Duke Engineering masters’ programs and as an Executive-in-Residence for the Institute for Enterprise Engineering (IEnE), where he has been instrumental in expanding professional offerings and fostering industry engagement.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Pat lead our Master of Engineering Management Program,” shared Jerry Lynch, Vinik Dean of Engineering. “His extensive experience in engineering and management is certain to empower his bold vision for the program’s future as a crown jewel of our school.” 

Before joining Duke, Gunsch led a consulting practice where he advised executive clients on business intelligence and program implementation. Earlier in his career, he held finance and product-focused roles at global technology leaders such as Dell, IBM and Lenovo. He later joined RTI International, where he held key positions in commercialization, corporate planning, business operations and facilities management, ultimately serving as Senior Director of Facilities Planning & Operations.

He holds a BS in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and an MBA with a finance concentration from the University of Texas at Austin. A licensed Professional Engineer (PE), Gunsch remains active in professional communities including the American Society for Engineering Education and previously served on the board of the Triangle chapter of the Professional Engineers of North Carolina.

At Duke, Gunsch has demonstrated a strong commitment to operational excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration. His leadership has contributed to improved facilities planning, enhanced student experiences and stronger partnerships with industry.

“Duke’s MEM program has a long-standing record of excellence in preparing students for successful careers as technical leaders,” said Gunsch. “I look forward to continuing that legacy, working with our exceptional faculty and staff and engaging alumni, industry partners and others to keep the program agile, innovative and relevant.”

Gunsch succeeds Dr. Christy Bozic, who will transition into a new role as Director of the Institute for Enterprise Engineering, also beginning July 1. Bozic has led the MEM program since 2024, advancing curricular innovation and further aligning the program with industry needs.

The Master of Engineering Management Program is one of Duke Engineering’s flagship graduate offerings, preparing early-career professionals to lead at the intersection of technology and business. For more information about the MEM Program at Duke, please visit memp.pratt.duke.edu.