Eric Braude

Boston University Metropolitan College is saddened to announce the passing of Associate Professor and Director of Digital Learning Eric Braude, who was a vital part of the MET community for 36 years.

A distinguished educator, scholar, and leader, as well as the coordinator of MET’s Computer Information Systems programs, Dr. Braude was the chair of the Department of Computer Sciences from 1990 to 1995. Known among his colleagues as one of the College’s most consistently engaged and contributing faculty members, he was a leading authority in software design, machine learning, and algorithms, and played a key role in developing MET’s leading digital learning programs, having helped shape the education of generations of students while advancing his fields of interest. He also founded the MS in Software Development program.

Born December 3, 1944, Dr. Eric Braude passed away on June 26, 2026, at the age of 81. He spent his childhood in Durban, South Africa, coming to the United States during the 1960s to pursue a master’s at the University of Illinois. It was there he met the woman who would become his wife of 60 years, Judith Sherry Braude. Eric went on to earn his PhD from Columbia University and a Master of Computer Science from the University of Miami, developing proficiency in software engineering, machine learning, and program design. From there, he had tremendous success in private industry and government, with experience that included leadership and research roles with Lockheed, Philips, and Lucent—time which would eventually bring invaluable real-world perspective to his teaching and scholarship.

Since joining Metropolitan College, Eric developed a reputation among his peers as a kind-spirited devotee to the merits of lifelong learning, often telling his own children, “Your education is never finished. You never stop learning,” encapsulating the MET ethos.

He was also committed to innovation in online teaching, having won grants that supported research in faculty innovation in educational technology. He authored several influential textbooks, including Software Design: From Programming to Architecture, which has long guided students and practitioners around the world, and the more recent Software Engineering: Modern Approaches. A number of his publications have been translated into multiple languages.

“His unwavering commitment to accessible, high-quality education made him not only an exceptional faculty member but also an ideal colleague whose values aligned so naturally with those of MET,” said Metropolitan College Dean Tanya Zlateva, in response to the sad news. “Those who worked with Eric will remember his intellectual curiosity, thoughtful mentorship, quiet wit, and generosity of spirit. His contributions to our academic community and to the countless students whose lives he touched will continue to have a lasting impact.”

A man of many passions, including mathematics, family, his Jewish faith, professorial sweater vests, and hiking, Eric was also an accomplished poet, having been named the winner of the 27th annual Eagle-Tribune/Robert Frost Foundation Spring Poetry Contest.

“We are grateful for his years of service to Boston University and for the enduring legacy he leaves through his scholarship, his teaching, and his steadfast belief that learning is a lifelong pursuit,” Dean Zlateva added.

Metropolitan College extends its sincerest condolences to Eric’s wife, Judith, his children, Miriam, Rachel, and Michael, brother, Alan, grandchildren, family, and friends, as well as to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be missed.