UA Engineering Names New Jordan Chairholder

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.–The University of Alabama College of Engineering recently named Dr. Samit Roy as the William D. Jordan Endowed Chairholder in Engineering.

Roy received his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur, India, in 1981. He then obtained his master’s degree and doctorate at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1986 and 1988, respectively.

Most recently, Roy served as associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Oklahoma State University. His previous experience also includes serving as a senior research investigator at the Rock Mechanics and Explosives Research Center at the University of Missouri-Rolla.

Roy primarily works in computational solid mechanics with an emphasis in composite materials. He has been working in the development of analytical and numerical models of various solid structural systems for almost 20 years. As the Jordan Chairholder, Roy will provide leadership in the solid mechanics group and expand the research areas, particularly in composite materials.

The donors who established the endowed chair are Thomas L. and Carolyn L. Patterson of Birmingham. The endowment, which honors Dr. William D. Jordan, professor emeritus, supports excellence in teaching, research and service. Thomas L. Patterson received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UA’s College of Engineering in 1964 and 1966, respectively. He is a member of UA’s President’s Cabinet. Patterson is chief executive officer of DAXKO, an internet services company he co-founded in Birmingham in 1998.

Jordan served the College of Engineering for 41 years. He joined the faculty in 1946 as instructor of mechanics, then rose through the ranks of assistant professor, associate professor and professor of engineering mechanics. He retired in 1987. Jordan is recognized as an eminent engineer in the field of education, service and practice.