College of Engineering Mourns Schmitt, Dean Who Increased Focus on Research and Fundraising

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Neil Schmitt

The College of Engineering lost an influential leader and longtime friend last month with the passing of Neil M. Schmitt, an electrical engineering alumnus who served as dean of the college from 1983 to 1996 and ushered in an era of heightened focus on research and fundraising.

Schmitt died May 29 at age 82.

"I'm saddened by the passing of my dear friend, colleague and mentor Dr. Neil Schmitt," said Provost Terry Martin. "Dr. Schmitt was my professor when I was a student, and he hired me when I joined the university in 1983. We worked alongside each other as faculty members and when he was the dean of the College of Engineering. He was truly an incredible person, and he had an immeasurable impact on my life and career as well as the university and campus community."

He continued to cheer on the college after retirement, and its current leader, Dean Kim Needy, in recent years.

"Throughout his career and into his retirement, Neil never stopped advocating for the College of Engineering nor encouraging its leaders. I will forever be grateful for his support through a kind word or inspirational note," she said.

Schmitt earned bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering at the U of A before completing his doctorate at Southern Methodist University in 1969. After military service, he worked as a systems engineer for IBM, then at Texas Instruments developing military radar systems.

His academic career began in 1970 when he joined the U of A as an assistant professor of electrical engineering. He spent time doing post-doctoral work at Baylor College of Medicine in 1971 before becoming department head of electrical engineering in 1973. He was named dean of the college in 1983, serving 13 years, and returned as interim dean from 2001 to 2002.

"We have lost one of the greats," said John R. English, professor of industrial engineering, who served as dean of the college from 2013 to 2020. "Many, many people, including myself, have been significantly touched by the life of Dean Schmitt. I loved him dearly."

Among his many accomplishments, he oversaw the design and construction of Bell Engineering Center and led the transformation of a factory in south Fayetteville to become the Engineering Research Center. Schmitt also started and supervised the Genesis Technology Center, which was recognized early as the premier technology incubator in the United States.

The Engineering Research Center and Genesis were part of Schmitt's vision, said Juan Balda, department head for electrical engineering.

"Neil was a caring individual who placed students first, but at the same time, he had a vision of U of A becoming a research university serving the state and the nation," he said.

During Schmitt's tenure, the college broke campus records for fundraising and established a new model for donor relations. He was inducted into the college's Hall of Fame in 2014.

"The University of Arkansas is a better place, more renowned and more respected because of Neil Schmitt. Not just the College of Engineering, but the entire university," said Alan Mantooth, Distinguished Professor of electrical engineering. "His reach was far and wide. His influence has been evident on students, faculty and staff over decades."

Darin Nutter, department head for mechanical engineering, said he still remembers interviewing with Schmitt before he was hired as an assistant professor in 1994. It was a long day of meetings with numerous faculty and administrators. Schmitt's welcoming demeanor still sticks in his mind.

Years later, when Nutter was considering the department head position, he turned to Schmitt.

"Even though he had been retired for probably 10 to 15 years, he was still advocating for what was best for both the U of A and for me," he said.

His full obituary was published in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Bell Engineering Center, lower left, along with scenes from Neil Schmitt’s tenure as dean of the College of Engineering.