KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Engineering has given John Prados, professor emeritus in the department of chemical and biomolecular engineering, one of its most prestigious honors, the Nathan W. Dougherty Award. The award was presented at the college’s annual Faculty and Staff Awards Dinner on April 22.
A former UT vice president, Prados has served at UT Knoxville for more than 50 years, beginning as a graduate assistant in 1953. He was a full-time professor in the department of chemical engineering for 13 years and, for the next 20 years, he held several administrative positions including associate dean of engineering, dean of admissions and records, acting chancellor of the Knoxville and Martin campuses and acting director of energy conversion programs at the UT Space Institute. From 1973 through 1988, Prados was vice president for academic affairs for the statewide UT system.
Prados returned to the department of chemical engineering in 1989 and served as department head from 1990-93. He served as the senior education associate in the engineering directorate of the National Science Foundation from 1994 through 1997. Prados also has been a consultant to industry, government and more than 30 universities and state education agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
Prados earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of Mississippi and his master’s degree and doctorate with majors in chemical engineering at UT Knoxville.
The Nathan W. Dougherty Award was established by the College of Engineering in 1957 to pay tribute to Nathan Washington Dougherty, dean of the engineering college from 1940-56. The recognition honors engineers whose accomplishments have enhanced the profession and alumni whose activities have brought acclaim to the university.
After the award presentation to Prados, Bamin Khomami, professor and head of the department of chemical and biomolecular engineering, announced the establishment of the John W. Prados Professorship in his department. The professorship was created by Malcolm Colditz and additionally supported by J. Michael Stone, both of whom are former students of Prados.
For a complete list of all award winners, visit http://www.engr.utk.edu.
C O N T A C T :
Kim Cowart (865-974-0686, kcowart@utk.edu)