Dr. Splinter’s pioneering basic research resulted in his obtaining six patents they kept him loosely associated with manufacturing and agricultural industries. Bill’s work included areas of plant and animal growth dynamics, water and energy conservation, and irrigation management. His leadership contributed to the development and advancement of Nebraska’s agricultural industry, and to the betterment of the University, Nebraska and the U.S.
Thank you: President Dayle Williamson, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
It is truly an honor for me to be asked to deliver this Tribute to our 2003 NHAA Honoree – Dr. Bill Splinter
When we came to Nebraska in 1975, to become the Head of the Animal Science Department, it was obvious that:
* Bill Splinter was recognized as an effective and respected Department Head
* The AG Engineering Department was considered one of the best in Country
* Bill was a great mentor and considered one of UNL's most effective administrators
HOPEFULLY, you had a chance to glance at the summary of Bill's resume in tonight's program.
- However, need to realize, it would take several volumes to do justice to his distinguished career and significant accomplishments.
Consequently, I would like to hit only a few of the Highlights from my perspective:
* Bill was raised on an irrigated farm between North Platte and Hershey
* He graduated from North Platte High School in 1943
* Enlisted in US Navy, first served in Office of Naval Intelligence, and then called up as Reservist during Korean War and served on a Destroyer as a Radar operator
* Received his BS degree with honors in Agricultural Engineering from NO in 1950
* Went directly to Graduate School at Michigan State University where he earned MS (51) and PhD (55)
* Because of his outstanding record, he was hired by North Carolina State University as a new PhD at the Associate Professor level
** During his 14 years at NC State, developed strong basic research program involving the responses of plants and animals (including humans) to their environment
** Did pioneering research: mechanical properties of plants, plant growth dynamics, computer modeling of plant growth and soil and water potential
* His research led to his obtaining six (6) U.S. Patents
ALTHOUGH I AM PRESENTING YOU WITH ONLY A THUMB-NAIL SKETCH OF BILL's DISTINGUISHED CAREER HERE TONIGHT---
There were three (3) General Observations that stood out in my mind as I reflected on his life and career:
1. Large Schools and Great Facilities are not Essential for one to Obtain a Quality Education:
* Bill first attended Nichols School – it contained all 12 grades in a 4-room building
* His freshman year: 6 students in high school (3 Freshmen; 1 Sophomore; 1 Junior; 1 Senior)
* Nichols School closed after his Sophomore year
* He then transferred to Platte Valley School – again, 4 rooms with all 12 grades. But: 22 students in high school (enough so Bill could make the 2nd string basketball team!)
* However, Platte Valley was also closed at end of Bill's Junior year.
* Bill then transferred to North Platte High School and graduated in 1943
2. Determination and Persistence Can Pay Off!
Couple of Examples:
First
* Bill wanted to join the U.S. Navy after high school, but he had fractured and dislocated his shoulder when he was 12 years old and it was held in place with screws – so Navy not very interested in accepting.
* However, he didn't give up and accepted into the Navy on his 4th try – he achieved his goal and spent 2 tours on active duty.
Second
* When Bill got out of the Navy, he knew he wanted to be an agricultural engineer. However, he wanted to earn his MS and PhD degrees without wasting time taking all the prerequisite courses.
* He was determined to take advanced courses in metallurgy, physical chemistry, mathematics and physics and skip the prerequisites wherever possible.
* To make a long story short, Bill ended up taking only 2 engineering courses, but he was elected to the Honorary Societies for both Math and Physics.
3. States that can Provide a Strong Educational Foundation and Offer Challenging and Rewarding Job Opportunities Create a Competitive Edge in Attracting Outstanding Talent:
* When we reflect on Bill's accomplishments and contributions, there is no question that Nebraska is at the forefront today in many areas because of Bill's visionary and effective leadership efforts.
* Nebraska was fortunate to entice Bill to return to the University of Nebraska as the Head of the Department of Agricultural Engineering in 1968.
* The Department flourished under his leadership in research, teaching and outreach programs
* The Department became recognized for its premier programs in serving needs of the state
** Specifically: water and energy conservation irrigation management plant and animal growth dynamics
** Much credit goes to the Agricultural Engineering Department for Nebraska being recognized as a leading state in the adoption of conservation tillage practices and Nebraska ranking 2nd only to California in irrigation development and irrigated acres.
* The Department became recognized for its strong PhD programs and impressive record of attracting external grants to support its programs.
* Bill became nationally recognized for his effective leadership:
** 1978: Elected President of American Society of Agricultural Engineers (later Preside of the Society's Foundation)
** 1984: 5th Agricultural Engineer (and 1st Nebraska engineer) to be elected to the prestigious National Academy of Engineering
** 1984: bill appointed by NU Board of Regents as a George Holmes Distinguished Professor
* University Administrators recognized outstanding job Bill was doing as Department Head and tapped him to assume increased administrative responsibilities:
** 1988: Associate Vice Chancellor for Research --- grants, patents, licensing and technology transfer UNL made excellent strides during this time in attracting more external grants and contracts that resulted in UNL moving from Category II Research Institution to Carnegie Category I Research Institution.
** 1990: Appointed Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies when that position became vacant. (Within a year, University's research program had expanded to point Graduated Studies was spun off with its own Dean for Graduate Studies)
* Bill continued as Vice Chancellor for Research until he "temporarily" retired in 1993
** To illustrate Bill's positive influence on students and colleagues, he received a retirement gift of an expense paid trip around the World as a token of appreciation from one of his former students
** Those who know Bill, know that he never really retired
*** consultant for University Technology Park in Highlands
*** worked to establish Lester Larsen Tractor Test and Power Museum
*** served as Voluntary Director for Larsen Museum
* His leadership abilities, dedication and love for the University and the State has been clearly remarkable:
** On three (3) occasions since retiring, he has been called back to serve in an interim administrative role:
*** 1994: Interim Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology
*** 2001: Interim Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology
*** 2002 – present: Interim Director of Nebraska State Museum
Bill Has Earned Numerous Prestigious Awards:
* 1990 – UNL Office Personnel Association – Boss-of-the-Year Award
* 2000 – NE Alumni Association – Distinguished Service Award
* 2001 – UNL Academic Senate – Louise Pound-George Howard Distinguished Career Award
In a few minutes, Bill will have an opportunity to introduce members of his family who are here tonight.
However, he would be the first to tell you that his family has played a key role in his being able to achieve the successful career he has enjoyed.
* He met his first wife, Eleanor Peterson, on a blind date while a graduate student at Michigan State. They were married the next year and raised four children during the 46 years together and prior to her death in 1999.
* Last year he married his first cousin's widow, Betty Calhoun, who lived in North Platte and had also raised four children.
* So now their combined family consists of 8 children and their families.
* I believe you can understand why Betty is anxious for Bill to become at least "partially retired" so they will have time to enjoy their family and do more traveling.
Although there is a lot I have left unsaid at this point, I hope this sketchy overview of the highlights of Bill's career clearly indicates why it was an easy task for the Board of Trustees of the NHAA to select Bill as the 2003 Honoree.
His leadership has contributed greatly to many aspects of the development and advancement of our agricultural industry, the University of Nebraska, the State of Nebraska, and to the fields of engineering and higher education in general.
THE INFLUENCE OF HIS CONTRIBUTIONS WILL BE CLEARLY EVIDENT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS!
It is my honor to present to you: DR. WILLIAM E. SPLINTER, as the 2003 Honoree of the NHAA.
Betty, would you please stand to be recognized as Bill comes forward to accept his award and to give his response?
