College of Engineering to Honor John English at Retirement Reception Dec. 3

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The U of A community is invited to a retirement reception honoring John English, a distinguished leader, educator and alumnus who has dedicated 27 years of service to the university.

English will retire at the end of 2024 after an impressive career, including serving as head of the Department of Industrial Engineering, dean of the College of Engineering and vice chancellor for research and innovation.

“I want to thank John English for the years of leadership he has provided to elevate the Department of Industrial Engineering and College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas. He has established a legacy in the industrial engineering community that will be felt for years to come,” said Chase Rainwater, head of the Department of Industrial Engineering.

English earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in operations research from the U of A. He began his career at the university in 1991 as a faculty member and served as head of the Department of Industrial Engineering from 2000 to 2007. He also worked on the faculties of Texas A&M University and Kansas State University, where he was dean of engineering from 2007 to 2013.

English returned to his alma mater in 2013 when he was named dean of the College of Engineering and the Irma F. and Raymond F. Giffels Endowed Chair in Engineering. In 2020, he was appointed vice chancellor for the Division of Research and Innovation, a role in which he helped drive the university's research growth and innovation efforts. In 2023, he returned to the faculty as a professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering, where he has continued to share his expertise with students and colleagues.

Kim Needy, dean of the College of Engineering, said, “For 27 years, John English has served the University of Arkansas, his alma mater, in a variety of roles with increasing responsibility. His impact on faculty, staff, students and alumni is hard to measure, but everlasting. I am grateful to him and wish he and his wife, Elizabeth, good health and much happiness in their retirement.”

The retirement reception will take place 1:45-2:45 p.m. Dec. 3 in the Civil Engineering Student Lounge, Bell 4009. The event is open to all members of the campus community, and attendees are welcome to drop in at their convenience. Light refreshments will be served.

This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate English’s remarkable career, offer well-wishes and reflect on his lasting contributions to the U of A.

We hope you can join us in honoring English as he embarks on the next chapter of his life!