Colleagues Gather to Celebrate Former Dean, Unveil Official Dean's Portrait

Whit Pruitt

Dean Kim Needy, professor John English and Elizabeth English.

The College of Engineering held a small gathering recently to celebrate former engineering Dean John English's return to full-time faculty and to unveil his honorary dean's portrait at Bell Engineering Center.

Dean Kim Needy praised English for his leadership as dean from 2013 to 2020 before uncovering the portrait, which will hang with other former deans' portraits in the Upchurch Conference Room on Bell's third floor.

"You made this college better and have left an indelible mark on this university," Needy said. "We are grateful for your numerous contributions to research, service and our land-grant mission, and we're excited to have you back with us again."

During his time as dean, English prioritized research and communication. The college had significant growth in its students and faculty and set records for its research enterprise. English also helped raise millions for the Grady E. Harvell Civil Engineering Research and Education Center, a hands-on research facility providing undergraduate and graduate students opportunities to participate in civil engineering theory and design activities. It opened in 2021.

English spoke with pride about his tenure as dean and said he was humbled to have his portrait hang alongside eight deans that have preceded him going back to 1894.

"It was a wonderful era in my life," English said. "After 23 years of being in leadership positions, I am excited to return to teaching and advising students again."

English got his start in engineering at the U of A, earning a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and later a Master of Science in operations research. He completed Ph.D. in industrial engineering and management at Oklahoma State University.

He was head of U of A's Department of Industrial Engineering from 2000 to 2007. He also served on the faculties of Texas A&M University and Kansas State University, where he was dean of engineering from 2007 to 2013.

English will return to teaching and research as a professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering this fall. He has begun drafting an as-yet untitled book aimed at engineering faculty members interested in serving in administrative roles.