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.