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Dean Wayne Davis Honored at Retirement Reception

Retirement reception for Tickle College of Engineering Dean Wayne T. Davis at JIAM on Friday, April 6, 2018.
Retirement reception for Tickle College of Engineering Dean Wayne T. Davis at JIAM on Friday, April 6, 2018.

UT colleagues, dignitaries, and former administrators turned out to the Joint Institute of Advanced Materials last Friday to celebrate the career of Tickle College of Engineering Dean Wayne Davis, who is retiring at the end of June.

Chancellor Beverly Davenport lauded Davis’s accomplishments and presented him with a painting of a peak in the Smoky Mountains, while Interim Provost John Zomchick pointed out that he and Davis have a combined 80 years serving UT.

Deans from UT’s other colleges teamed up to present Davis a top-of-the line Calton brand mandolin case, custom made in UT’s familiar shade of orange.

Former UT President Joe Johnson, JIAM Director and Department Head of Materials Science and Engineering Veerle Keppens, and Tickle College of Engineering Board of Advisors President Bennett Croswell also spoke about the legacy Davis has built at UT. Board of Advisors members contributed $11,000 toward a retirement trip for Dean Davis and his wife, Sylvia.


Retirement reception for Tickle College of Engineering Dean Wayne T. Davis at JIAM on Friday, April 6, 2018.
Friends and colleagues enjoyed a retirement reception for Tickle College of Engineering Dean Wayne T. Davis in the main lobby at the Joint Institute for Advanced Materials on Friday, April 6, 2018.

Retirement reception for Tickle College of Engineering Dean Wayne T. Davis at JIAM on Friday, April 6, 2018.
Photos and memorabilia from Dean Davis’s career greeted well-wishers at the reception.
Retirement reception for Tickle College of Engineering Dean Wayne T. Davis at JIAM on Friday, April 6, 2018.
Former UT Chancellor Jimmy D. Cheek, third form left, joined Dean Davis and others at the reception.
Retirement reception for Tickle College of Engineering Dean Wayne T. Davis at JIAM on Friday, April 6, 2018.
The gathered crowd enjoyed speakers’ comments on the dean’s career and legacy for the college and university.
Retirement reception for Tickle College of Engineering Dean Wayne T. Davis at JIAM on Friday, April 6, 2018.
Dean Wayne Davis
Retirement reception for Tickle College of Engineering Dean Wayne T. Davis at JIAM on Friday, April 6, 2018.
Chancellor Beverly Davenport lauded Davis’s accomplishments and presented him with a painting of a peak in the Smoky Mountains.
Retirement reception for Tickle College of Engineering Dean Wayne T. Davis at JIAM on Friday, April 6, 2018.
Interim Provost John Zomchick pointed out that he and Davis have a combined 80 years serving UT, and presented the dean with an ornate clock commemorating his service to UT.
Retirement reception for Tickle College of Engineering Dean Wayne T. Davis at JIAM on Friday, April 6, 2018.
Deans from UT’s other colleges teamed up to present Davis a top-of-the-line Calton brand mandolin case, custom made to include UT’s familiar shade of orange.
Retirement reception for Tickle College of Engineering Dean Wayne T. Davis at JIAM on Friday, April 6, 2018.
Dean Davis was assured that the custom-colored Calton mandolin case would fit either A or F style mandolins.
Retirement reception for Tickle College of Engineering Dean Wayne T. Davis at JIAM on Friday, April 6, 2018.
Tickle College of Engineering Board of Advisors Chair Bennett Croswell spoke about the legacy Davis has built at UT, with the Board of Advisors and others contributing to a retirement trip for Dean Davis and his wife, Sylvia.