From left to right: Drs. Ben Streetman, Herbert Woodson, Earnest Gloyna and John McKetta.
Two years ago the president and provost of The University of Texas at Austin awarded for the first time the title of dean emeritus to Dolores Sands, who retired after 20 years as dean of the School of Nursing. Recently, the Cockrell School of Engineering learned that four previous deans have all received this same honor as dean emeritus. Of the nine former deans from across the university granted this title, four were leaders of the Cockrell School.
"The 45-year legacy of thoughtful leadership, inspiration and vision of my four predecessors during their tenures as dean of the engineering school is honored through the recognitions they have received as dean emeriti," said Gregory L. Fenves, dean of the Cockrell School of Engineering. Fenves submitted the four deans' recommendations to Provost Steven L. Leslie and President William Powers Jr.
Dr. Ben Streetman, dean (1996-2008)
Streetman's tenure as dean is marked by tripling the number of students receiving scholarships and fellowships; adding 18 endowed funded faculty chairs and opening the Department of Biomedical Engineering. During Streetman's time as dean, the Cockrell School moved up to be one of the top 10 engineering programs in the country.
Dr. Herbert Woodson, dean (1988-96)
The creation of the Women in Engineering Program was one of Woodson's great successes during his tenure as dean, along with overseeing the building of the Microelectronics and Engineering Research Building at the Pickle Research Campus. He also started the Challenge for Excellence Program that greatly expanded the graduate student fellowship endowment and other faculty positions.
Dr. Earnest Gloyna, dean (1970-87)
Construction of modern facilities was a major activity during Gloyna's years as dean, with the building of Ernest Cockrell Jr. Hall, the Engineering Teaching Center II and the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering building. He also ushered in the Equal Opportunity in Engineering program. During his years of leadership, the school saw a dramatic rise in the number of minorities and women who enrolled in engineering programs at UT.
Dr. John McKetta, dean (1963-69)
Dr. McKetta is remembered for many firsts during his time as dean. His debut of the "McKetta Challenge" inspired through his and wife Pinky's generosity is one of his most memorable legacies. The McKetta Challenge established the first permanent endowment of the engineering school through donor contributions. McKetta also ushered in major changes to the engineering curricula and the establishment of the Engineering Cooperative Education Program that offered undergraduates opportunities for real world engineering experience.
