“Mr. Metro State.” Professor Robert Mock passed away June 15.

Robert Mock, professor of aviation and aerospace science (AAS), passed away Sunday, June 15, 2008.

Professor Mock was a legend at Metro State for his courage and daring as a fighter pilot; his love of aviation, which led him to teach and serve as department chair and dean; and his dedication to the College and his students.

“We called him Mr. Metro State,” says AAS Chair Jeff Forrest. “There was no one better at advising students or who cared more about them than Bob.” Forrest credits Professor Mock with changing the direction of his career, leading to Forrest’s second degree in aviation from Metro State, a Ph.D. and ultimately, the chairmanship of the department. “He hired a great many of us who teach here and helped us all tremendously both professionally and academically.”

Vice President Emeritus of Student Services Yolanda Ortega remembers a touching moment for Professor Mock that she witnessed: "The one thing that stands out in my mind was when he was introducing a student who was getting an outstanding student award in his school. He was so choked up. I went up to him and called him a softie under that polished, administrative exterior. He just smiled and said something about it being such an emotional rush to see his students excel in spite of their personal obstacles. It humbled him."

Professor Mock came to Metro State in 1987 as department chair and was named dean of the School of Professional Studies in 1996. After serving in this position for five years, he returned to teaching and taught three courses this past spring. In 2005, Metro State honored Professor Mock with the Distinguished Service Award for Faculty.

Perhaps Professor Mock’s greatest legacy at Metro State is the World Indoor Airport (WIA), recognized as one of the most technologically advanced collegiate integrated flight and air traffic control simulator laboratories in the country. He established the WIA and procured grants totaling $1.3 million to make it a reality. He also designed and supervised the WIA’s move to its current location in the Seventh St. facility. The WIA has helped the department grow to become the fifth largest aviation and aerospace program in the country.

An expert in space, aerodynamics, management, meteorology, military careers and propulsion, Professor Mock brought international recognition to Metro State when he was elected president of the University Aviation Association in 1991.

A colonel in the United States Air Force, Professor Mock was a decorated squadron commander in Vietnam.

Professor Mock held a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and an M.S. in systems management from the University of Southern California.

He is survived by his wife Gail, son Chris Mock (‘89, AAS), stepson Archie Steger and granddaughter Lauren Mock.