Edwin D. Harrison

Edwin D. Harrison
Born January 8, 1916
Died October 23, 2001 (aged 85)
Occupation University president

Edwin Davies Harrison (January 8, 1916 – October 23, 2001) was the sixth president of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), from 1957 to 1969.[1][2] It was in Harrison's honor that the first 'T' was stolen from the face of Tech Tower.[1] His administration also tackled the difficult issues of integration and competitive pay for faculty members.[3]

Early life and education

Harrison graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1939 and served in the Navy until 1945. He then earned a master's in mechanical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1948, and a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Purdue University in 1952.[2][4]

Career

Harrison was Assistant Dean at Virginia Tech and Dean of Engineering at the University of Toledo.[2]

Previous Georgia Tech president Blake Ragsdale Van Leer had died in office, and interim dean Paul Weber had served for nearly 17 months while the institute searched for a president that was willing to serve in the tough social climate.[2]

After his abrupt retirement from Georgia Tech after ten years as president, Harrison worked for J.P. Stevens (now part of WestPoint Home) for seven years and subsequently retired.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Obituary: Edwin Harrison". The Technique. 2001-11-09. Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-05-31.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "President Edwin D. Harrison Papers". Georgia Tech Archives and Records Management. Retrieved 2012-10-13.
  3. ↑ "President Edwin D. Harrison Papers". Georgia Tech Archives & Records Management. Retrieved 2012-10-14.
  4. ↑ "Obituary: Edwin Harrison". Tech Topics (Georgia Tech Alumni Association). Winter 2001. Archived from the original on 2007-06-04. Retrieved 2007-05-31.