NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University bestowed the honor of Professor Emeritus on Dr. William Dennis of Natchitoches, who served in NSU’s Department of Engineering Technology from 1972 until his retirement in 2003.  During his tenure, Dr. Dennis made outstanding contributions to the department’s growth, according to Dr. Thomas M. Hall Jr., professor and department head. 

     “Dr. Dennis saw great change in the department during his 30 years,” Hall said.  “Initially created as industrial arts education at the end of World War II, the department grew and changed over the years—always staying relevant and true to its mission of producing graduates who would be productive members of the local and regional workforce and society.  As he began his tenure at NSU, industrial arts had spawned degrees in industrial technology and electronics engineering technology, and a new degree in computer technology was being created.  It was in this environment of growth and change that Dr. Dennis came to make his mark.”

      Dennis served as department head from 1997-2000.  During his career, he saw the initial accreditation of the industrial technology degree in 1982 and wrote numerous proposals for funding for equipment and developing curriculum guides and safety manuals for industrial arts in state high schools. He fostered partnerships with area industry and oversaw the development and accreditation of the electronic engineering technology curriculum. He helped create the industrial engineering technology degree in 2002, which was accredited that same year. 

     “While these are but a few of his significant contributions, Dr. Dennis always sought ways to bring technology into the department,” Hall said.  “Through his constant interface with industry, he was always able to stay current and drive the department to remain relevant in a changing world.”

     Upon Dennis’s retirement in 2003, Hall noted, he was the last of the industrial arts faculty members in the department.

     Dr. Austin Temple, dean of the College of Science and Technology, made note of Dennis’s contributions to the department during a time of transition. 

  “Bill readily offered to teach new courses and participated in course redesign, which was no small contribution to the department,” Temple said.  “This is a capstone.  This puts closure on a career and indicates what a fine job Bill did as a teacher and researcher in the department.”

     “I enjoyed my 31 years at Northwestern,” said Dennis, who described the transition from “shop-type application to engineering technology implementing research and design.  The department now emphasizes the implementation of design and includes design, drafting and research.” 

     “Yet, through the years he changed with the needs of industry.  He not only adapted to change in the department, but also created change—always moving forward,” Hall said. 

     The luncheon in Dennis’ honor was held in conjunction with Northwestern’s year-long celebration of its 125th anniversary, which has been highlighted with  activities within the College of Science and Technology throughout the month of November.