John C. McGee

John C. McGee earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from West Virginia University in 1955 and 1957, respectively. After working at DuPont’s Belle Works facility and a brief stint of active duty in the United States Air Force, he enrolled as a part-time doctoral student at North Carolina State University, where he also served as an instructor.

Upon completion of his PhD in 1966, he joined Tennessee Polytechnic Institute (now Tennessee Technological University) to help begin its chemical engineering program. In 1967, he was named the department’s first chairman. McGee had a hand in virtually every aspect of forming the department, i.e., faculty hiring, curriculum development, course description creation. His efforts helped lead to the department’s initial accreditation in 1970. A new building and programs at the master’s and doctoral levels followed. After a 20-year career as chair, McGee returned to the classroom, retiring in 2000 with emeritus status.

McGee was a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and was past president of the Nashville section. He was also a member of Phi Kappa Phi national honorary, Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi engineering honorary, Phi Lamda Upsilon chemistry honorary, Order of the Engineer and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

McGee and his wife, Sylvia, have both retired to enjoy their four children and eight grandchildren.