Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, has named its tenth National Outstanding Advisor in its program to recognize engineering faculty who make important contributions to students and collegiate chapters. While the primary goal of Tau Beta Pi is to recognize students of superior scholarship and exemplary character and to honor eminent practicing engineers, the Association also lauds excellence in engineering education and in the ethical practice of engineering.

Dr. Melvin R. Corley, P.E., Louisiana Gamma’70, chief advisor to the Louisiana Gamma Chapter and professor of mechanical engineering at Louisiana Tech University, is the 2003 Tau Beta Pi National Outstanding Advisor. He will be honored on October 25, 2003, at the 98th annual national Convention to be held in Lubbock, Texas. Tau Beta Pi President Dr. Matthew W. Ohland will present $1,000 and a commemorative plaque to Dr. Corley. Another $1,000 grant will be presented to the engineering college’s discretionary fund.

Dr. Corley was cited by students and peers for restoring the chapter’s campus and national reputation through his strong motivational and leadership skills, dedication and commitment.

In his junior year at Louisiana Tech University, Dr. Corley became a member of the Louisiana Gamma chapter of Tau Beta Pi, serving as president during his senior year. He graduated in 1970 with a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering, and continued his education at the University of Texas at Austin, receiving an M.S.M.E. in 1971 and a Ph.D. in 1973. He returned to Louisiana Tech in 1980 to join the faculty after having taught mechanical engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology since 1974. A registered professional engineer, Dr. Corley served part-time as vice president of HRS Systems, Inc. during 1975-1996. He is a leader in his specialty field of computer-based systems for engineering design, manufacturing, and education, with emphasis on interactive graphics and CAD systems. Because of his technical guidance, the university benefits from superior infrastructure and advanced computing capabilities. The senior leader in his department who is known as one of the most outstanding instructors at Louisiana Tech, Dr. Corley has received recognition from numerous organizations including the ASME Outstanding Faculty Member Award and F. Jay Taylor Tech Foundation Undergraduate Teaching Award in 1992, the Louisiana Tech Engineers Association Outstanding Professor Award, 1993; and the Louisiana Engineering Foundation Engineering Faculty Professionalism Award, 1998.

Since accepting the position of chief advisor to Tau Beta Pi’s Louisiana Gamma Chapter in 1998, Dr. Corley has done an exceptional job in restoring the chapter to good health, providing chapter continuity, and establishing excellent chapter performance. His commitment and dedication have been reflected in strong chapter growth and a much improved campus reputation. Rich traditions of candidate and service programs have been restored, and sustainable routines have been established. Past events—the Engineers’ Ball and the important initiation event, the all-night test to establish new-member camaraderie—have been reinstated. Members help to host the annual Engineers’ Day, guiding high-school students from North Louisiana as they converge to learn about opportunities in engineering. His areas of expertise enabled Dr. Corley to guide members through the process of creating a chapter website. It was also because of his prominence that the chapter coordinated visits from Michelin and the SegwayTM human transporter.

Nationally, Louisiana Gamma has been frequently cited for its performance during the past five years—receiving an Honorable Mention in 1999-2000 for the most improved chapter; selection as the 2000-01 R.H. Nagel Most Improved Chapter; Secretary’s Commendations in 1999-2000 and 2001-02; and Project Awards in 1999-2000, 2000-01, and 2001-02. Demonstrating a continuous upward trend, it was a finalist for the 2001-02 R. C. Matthews Outstanding Chapter Award—Tau Beta Pi’s highest accolade.

Through the dedication of Dr. Corley and Tau Bates at Louisiana Tech University, the Louisiana Gamma Chapter has risen from anonymity to an organization that has recaptured its rich traditions and found visibility and prominence on campus and in the community. Tau Beta Pi proudly recognizes Dr. Mel Corley as the 2003 Tau Beta Pi National Outstanding Advisor.