Posted on March 8, 2002 at 12:30 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Jay Goldman, D. Sc., dean emeritus and professor of engineering at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Engineering, has been named Distinguished Service Professor by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees.

Goldman joined UAB in 1984 as dean of the school of engineering. According to the trustees’ resolution, Goldman has “rendered exceptional service to UAB as one of its senior administrative officers …” and his appointment is in appreciation of “his significant and enduring contributions to the University of Alabama at Birmingham.”

During his tenure as dean Goldman initiated the first strategic planning process to develop the mission and goals of the school, which included faculty, staff, students, alumni and industry representatives. He established the first Engineering Council and Engineering Foundation, which continue today and are comprised of industry leaders who provide advice and support for the school. He also organized the Engineering Alumni Group, the first school-based chapter of the UAB National Alumni Society.

“Jay has done so much for the school and continues to be an asset for us,” said Linda Lucas, Ph.D., dean of the school of engineering. “He and the programs he developed were instrumental in helping the school gain accreditation for all of our undergraduate programs. Jay also helped to develop lasting and invaluable partnerships with other schools across campus that provide excellent research and educational opportunities for our students.”

In addition to his duties as dean emeritus and professor, Goldman is a professor in the Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Health Services Administration, a senior scientist in the Injury Control Research Center, senior scientist in the Center For Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and distinguished research engineer in the Center for Telecommunications Education and Research, all at UAB.

Goldman has been active in a number of professional organizations, including the Institute of Industrial Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Alabama Society of Professional Engineers and the American Association of Engineering Societies. He was named engineering educator of the year in 1992 and engineer of the year in 1993 by the Alabama Society of Professional Engineers. The Engineering Council of Birmingham named him Engineer of the Year in 1992.

Goldman, a native of Norfolk, Va., earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Duke University, a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University and a doctor of science in industrial engineering from Washington University in St Louis. Prior to coming to UAB, he was chair of Industrial Engineering at the University of Missouri-Columbia and was on the faculty of North Carolina State University and Washington University in St Louis.