In Memoriam: Professor Emeritus Robert I. Carr

We announce with sadness the passing of Professor Emeritus Robert I. Carr, who passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the age of 86 in Ann Arbor, MI. Professor Carr was a valued member of the University of Michigan community and a dedicated family man. He is survived by his wife Jeannette, their sons Rob and Scott, and his grandson Rip.

Professor Carr began his tenure with the University of Michigan in 1978 as a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, a role he held until his retirement in 2005. He was known for his expertise in construction management and building and transportation technology. Over the years, he supervised 13 Ph.D. theses and published over 100 papers. From 1983 until his retirement, he served as the Director of the Center for Construction Engineering and Management (CE&M). Together with Professor R.B. Harris, Professor Carr has had a profound impact on the CE&M program at U-M. He was the leading architect of the coursework and requirements for the MSE in CE&M and the MEng in CE&M that continue to this day.

In 1986, Professor Carr co-founded the Construction Innovation Forum (CIF), which later grew into an international organization promoting construction innovation. In his leadership roles he served as Chair of the Construction Division of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He was both an ASCE Fellow and an ASCE Life Member. Among his accolades are the ASCE Peurifoy Construction Research Award and the Nova Award Statue.

Professor Carr’s dedication to teaching and service was recognized with the Excellence in Teaching Award and the Excellence in Service Award from the College of Engineering. In May 2004, he was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus.

“Bob was a mentor, a colleague, and a friend,” said construction colleague Professor Photios Ioannou. “His intellectual rigor and unwavering dedication to advancing construction engineering left an indelible mark on the field. He was always generous with his time and wisdom, inspiring countless students and colleagues alike. More than anything Bob was a person of impeccable integrity and honesty on whom you could always count. His legacy will continue to guide us.”

Professor Carr’s many contributions to the field of Construction Engineering and Management will leave a lasting legacy. He will be remembered and missed by colleagues, students, friends, and family.