FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - John R. English, professor of industrial engineering at the University of Arkansas, has been named director of the Genesis Technology Incubator and Economic Development Officer for the College of Engineering. He will replace Sam Pruett, who is leaving the U of A on Jan. 1.

In announcing the appointment, Otto J. Loewer, dean of engineering said, "The college is very fortunate that someone with John's qualifications and experience has agreed to take the helm of Genesis and lead the college's efforts in helping Arkansas through economic development. He has extensive experience with federal entities and the private sector, and a strong background in the industrial engineering field. We believe he will build on the solid foundation established by Sam Pruett and take Genesis to a new level of success."

A native of Prairie Grove, English received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and a master's degree in operations research from the U of A, and a Ph.D. in industrial engineering and management from Oklahoma State University. He served as an assistant professor in industrial engineering at Texas A&M University before joining the UA engineering faculty in 1991. In 1998 he spent one semester as a visiting associate professor in industrial engineering at Rutgers University. Prior to receiving his Ph.D. he spent more than three years as a senior engineer with AT&T Communications.

English's expertise is in quality and reliability engineering. He has successfully garnered resources from Lucent Technologies, the United States Postal Service, the National Science Foundation, United Parcel Service and Ford Motor Company to support his research and teaching. He has worked closely with business and industry partners in the development of short courses for practicing professional engineers, and has received numerous awards for both his research and teaching excellence.

"Arkansas is my home, and I believe there is tremendous potential for economic development through the growth of high-tech industry," English said. "Genesis is the right place to have this happen."

English is the son of Roy and Carolyn English of Prairie Grove. He and his wife Elizabeth live in Fayetteville with their daughter, Sara.

Located at the UA Engineering Research Center, Genesis provides developing, technology-based entrepreneurs with technical expertise from UA faculty, staff and students, access to engineering laboratories and equipment, and office space and shared services. The Genesis Technology Incubator received the 1992 National Business Incubator of the Year award that is presented in recognition of overall excellence in the field of business incubation, and has been used as a model in establishing similar technology-business incubation programs around the world.

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