1999 National Outstanding Advisor

Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society, has named its sixth National Outstanding Chapter Advisor in its program to recognize the important contributions of engineering faculty to their students and collegiate chapters. The primary concern of Tau Beta Pi is to recognize students of superior scholarship and exemplary character and to honor eminent practicing engineers; the Association also encourages excellence in engineering education and in the ethical practice of engineering.

Dr. Eddie R. Fowler, Kansas Gamma ’57, advisor to the Kansas Gamma Chapter and recently retired professor of electrical and computer engineering at Kansas State University, is the 1999 Tau Beta Pi National Outstanding Advisor and will be honored on October 9, 1999, at the 94th annual Convention to be held in Madison, Wisconsin. President Douglas M. Green, P.E., will present $1,000 and a commemorative plaque to Dr. Fowler. Another $1,000 cash grant will be presented to the engineering college’s discretionary fund.

Dr. Fowler has served the Kansas Gamma Chapter and District 9 for many years, providing an outstanding role model and encouraging mentor to the students and serving as a dedicated spokesman to the administration. At the university during 1982-99 and recognized as an outstanding teacher several times, he continues as a Director of District 9 and as a member of the Chapter’s advisory board.

Since 1991, Dr. Fowler has been an effective Tau Beta Pi leader and team player. His encouragement and dedication was recognized by Dr. Terry S. King, Iowa Alpha ’73, dean of engineering, who praised him for his institutional wisdom and practical advice, which in no way diminished the experiences of the students and which led to the success of the 1998 Tau Beta Pi national convention. Dr. King lauded him as "caring, committed, conscientious, and visionary."

During the eight years he served under Dean Emeritus Donald E. Rathbone, Indiana Alpha ’51, Dr. Fowler helped showcase the chapter and the college through the many new activities which he helped to organize, such as adapting toys for disabled children and planting trees for a landfill project. His long-range planning sessions for chapter officers and officers-elect provided excellent continuity for Kansas Gamma and kept communications ongoing with the administrators.

The students themselves regard Dr. Fowler for one salient trait, his unique ability to relate to them. He is not just an advisor, he is a true friend; he enjoys sharing in their achievements, and he listens to their personal problems. His office door is always open, and he is available at home, where each semester he hosts a gathering of all the officers. He has become the backbone of the chapter for nearly a decade and is deserving of this prestigious national award.