Longtime Mechanical Engineering Faculty Member Announces Retirement

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Ing-Chang Jong, professor of mechanical engineering.

After almost 54 years of service, Ing-Chang Jong, professor of mechanical engineering, has announced his retirement as of January 2019. Jong has been an esteemed member of the faculty, and he will be greatly missed by students and colleagues alike. 

Born in midwestern Taiwan over 80 years ago, Jong received a B.S.C.E. from National Taiwan University in 1961 and then served as a second lieutenant officer in the Chinese Air Force for one year. In 1962, Jong came to the United States to pursue graduate degrees and earned a master's degree from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1963 and then a Ph.D. from Northwestern University in 1965.

Jong joined the University of Arkansas family in 1965 as an assistant professor of engineering science, was promoted to associate professor in 1969, and became professor of mechanical engineering when the departments merged in 1974.

"The legendary Dr. Jong has had an amazing career at the University of Arkansas," said Darin Nutter, department head of mechanical engineering. "The lasting knowledge and positive impact he has bestowed on so many engineering students, and colleagues, cannot be overstated. I will miss him, and I know that the faculty and staff within the Mechanical Engineering Department will truly miss his daily presence, smile, and the sounds of him teaching and helping others. We wish Dr. Jong the very best in retirement." 

Jong has taught and advised thousands of students while at the University of Arkansas and has influenced generations of mechanical engineers. In addition to the students he personally instructed, his textbooks "Engineering Mechanics: Statics" and "Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics," are the basis for undergraduate mechanical engineering courses at major universities across the nation, thus impacting young engineers across the world. 

"It is hard to imagine the College of Engineering without Professor Ing-Chang Jong. He is my respected colleague and friend, and I will miss him. He is a pillar for this college and has been with us for over 50 years," Dean John English said. "Thousands of engineering students have been touched by Dr. Jong, and though many will say he was 'tough,' we know he taught them the fundamentals of statics and dynamics. To our friend and colleague we say 'Godspeed,' and may your retirement years be golden."

When asked to reflect on his time at the university, Jong said, "I wish to meekly offer my friends at Arkansas the following thoughts: strive for excellence in all things, good health is our most valuable asset, believe in God and love our neighbors and, lastly, there is a time to seek work, but there is also a time to retire."

A reception in Jong's honor will be hosted by the department on Friday, Dec. 7. For information regarding attendance, please contact Melynda Hart at melhart@uark.edu or 479-575-4153.