Wendell Nedderman

Wendell Herman Nedderman, Ph.D (born October 31, 1921)^[1] served over 18 years (February 1974 to July 1992)^[2] as President of The University of Texas at Arlington. After 10 years as engineering dean, he served as vice president for academic affairs and simultaneously held such positions as graduate school administrator and vice president for research and graduate affairs. In 1992, he was named president emeritus and received the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award for leadership in learning by the Association of Texas Colleges and Universities.^[3]

Nedderman is a native of Lovilia, Iowa and was born in 1921. He graduated from Lovilia High School and earned a B.S. in Civil engineering from Iowa State University in 1943. From there he immediately joined the Navy and was sent to the U.S. Naval Academy’s Reserve Midshipman’s School. During World War II, Dr. Nedderman served as Engineering Officer aboard the Destroyers USS Patterson and USS Charles S. Sperry. By 1946, he had earned the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with six stars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars, as well as three campaign ribbons fighting in the Marianas, The Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

After his discharge from the Navy, Dr. Nedderman took a position as Instructor of Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University and obtained his Master’s Degree in 1949. He obtained his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University in 1951 ^[4] while on leave from A&M. His twelve-year tenure at A&M culminated as Graduate Advisor of the Department of Civil Engineering and as Professor.

Based on his accomplishments, he was selected as the first Dean of Engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington. This faith was more than justified when he phased in five engineering B.S. programs by 1965; five M.S. programs phased in from 1966 to 1969 and received authorization to commence the Ph.D. in Engineering in 1969. During the two-year period 1967 to 1969, Dr. Nedderman actually held three positions simultaneously as a Vice President; Graduate School Administrator; and Dean of the School of Engineering. Recognition of his talents resulted in his appointment as Acting University President in November 1972 and official confirmation as University President in February 1974.

During Dr. Nedderman’s tenure as University President, 21 Baccalaureate, 27 Masters, and 17 Doctoral degree programs were added. The value of the University Plant (land, buildings, improvements, equipment, and library books) increased from $51,637,610 to $279,969,268. Enrollment increased by over 10,000 students and 24 buildings were constructed during his presidency. In 1985 he made a controversial decision to end the UT Arlington Football program after almost 80 years. The basis of his decision was that the program was draining valuable university funds, as well as the steep decline in game attendance in the years prior.

In 1976, Dr. Nedderman was inducted into the Scabbard and Blade Military Honor Society. He has always been a staunch supporter of the Carlisle Cannons Salute Battery and the Sam Houston Rifles. The Hall of Honor concept was fully supported by Dr. Nedderman and came to fruition during the 1980 Spring Semester. His steadfast belief in Corps traditions led to his participation in the development and execution of the Corps Advisory Council on January 21, 1981.

During both Desert Shield and Desert Storm Operations, Dr. Nedderman supported his students’ commitment to their country. His guidance cut through red tape so administrative procedures dealt with each student on a case-by-case basis to ensure courses were completed with credit and next semester prepayments were refunded rapidly.

Dr. Nedderman resides with his wife, the former Betty Vezey in Frisco, Texas. They have four sons and 13 grandchildren.

Awards and honors

• Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with six stars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars
  

  Nedderman Hall in 2010.
• Scabbard and Blade Military Honor Society
• Longest Serving Faculty Member
• Nedderman Hall is named after Dr. Nedderman
• Mirabeau B. Lamar Award for leadership in learning by the Association of Texas Colleges and Universities.

See also

• Nedderman Hall

References