Former MSU dean among first to receive top professional tribute

Contact: Bob Ratliff

The National Society of Professional Engineers is giving its highest praise to the dean emeritus of engineering at Mississippi State University.

Harry C. Simrall of Starkville recently was named a 2000 NSPE Fellow. A past president of the society, he is among 91 forming the 60,000-member organization's first Fellows class.

The newly created designation pays homage to "past presidents and other longtime members who have served the society and the engineering profession with great distinction and loyal dedication," said current president J. David Waugh.

Founded in 1934, NSPE is the only such body representing individual professionals in the field. Its members are spread among 53 American states and territories.

Simrall retired in 1978 after a 44-year career at the Starkville school. He helped establish the university's first computing center and led in supporting such research programs as the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory and early work that led the National Science Foundation to open an engineering research center on campus in 1990.

"Harry Simrall's career had nationwide impact both on the profession and engineering education," said MSU engineering dean Wayne Bennett. "His selection as an NSPE Fellow continues to bring recognition to the university and the programs he established and nurtured."

After receiving degrees from Mississippi State in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering in 1934 and 1935, respectively, Simrall went on to complete graduate work at the University of Illinois. Returning to MSU, he went on to become a professor, department head and dean, as well as director both of the Engineering and Industrial Research Station and the Engineering Extension Service.

In addition to serving as NSPE president, he received the organization's Distinguished Service Award in 1971. The Mississippi Society of Professional Engineers, MSU Alumni Association and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers also selected him for major honors during his career.

MSU presented Simrall with an honorary doctorate last year.