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2020 Outstanding ISE Students, Faculty, and Alumni

Every Spring we like to recognize our Outstanding ISE students and faculty, as well as our graduates. The accolades are traditionally observed with a banquet gathering, but due to measures put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, that event has been rescheduled. Until then, we’re happy to present here the winners from ISE.


2020 Dr. Kenneth E. Kirby Endowed Faculty Award
The Dr. Kenneth E. Kirby Endowed Faculty Award recognizes faculty excellence in teaching, research, and contributions to the mission of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering . The endowed award was established by Joe Fareed (BS/IE ’85), Mike Zill (BS/IE ‘85), Mike Ray (BS/IE ’81), Greg Carpenter (BS/IE ’88), Randy Carson (BS/IE ’84), and Mike Evans (BS/IE ’85) to honor Dr. Kirby, Associate Professor Emeritus, for his impact on the academic experiences and subsequent careers of hundreds of ISE alumni.  Dr. Kirby is a three-time UT alumnus, having earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1962 and 1979, respectively, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science in 1979.

The recipient of the 2019 Dr. Kenneth E. Kirby Endowed Faculty Award is Xueping Li, Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE). The Dr. Kenneth E. Kirby Endowed Faculty Award is presented annually to a faculty member who displays excellence in teaching, research, and contributions to the mission of the ISE Department.


 

2020 Howard P. Emerson Alumni Award

The Howard P. Emerson Alumni Award recognizes alumni, friends, or former faculty of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering who exemplify the Volunteer spirit and have brought credit to the department through distinguished personal and professional accomplishments. The award honors Howard P. Emerson who served as the founding head of the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, from 1947 to 1968 and is remembered for his years of unselfish and devoted service to his students and UT.

Eric Zeanah

In 1983, Eric Zeanah began his career as an intern with American Accessories International, a product development and manufacturing company founded by ISE professor Dan Doulet. After assuming ownership in 1995, Mr. Zeanah utilized the principles of applied industrial engineering to expand the company into a leader in product design and commercialization for many large corporations, such as, Johnson & Johnson, Ethicon, Amway, Unilever and more. Mr. Zeanah served the TCE Board for 12 years, and, with his wife Elaine, has given back to the university with numerus endowments directed towards the Tickle College of Engineering, VOLeaders, and the UT Vet School.

Misty Mayes

Misty Mayes is founder & CEO of Management Solutions, an award-winning business specializing in project management and strategic consulting. Under her leadership, the company was named Small Business of the Year by the Small Business Administration, with Mayes named Entrepreneur of the Year by Tech 2020’s Innovation Valley Technology Council.  Mayes is Chair of the University of Tennessee’s Engineering College Board of Advisors, and sits on the board of national advocacy group Women Impacting Public Policy. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, she lives In Knoxville, TN with her husband and has three children.


Outstanding Faculty Award (Awarded by IISE members)

Dr. Anahita Khojandi-Assistant Professor 

“Dr. Khojandi is always going above and beyond in helping students reach their full potential within the Tickle College and Industrial & Systems Engineering Department. She consistently takes the time to talk to students and motivate them to push themselves by learning and doing more during their time at UT.”

 

-IISE student member quote


 

Outstanding Senior Award

Madelaine Bayless


Outstanding Junior Award

Grant Kobes


Outstanding Graduate Student

Rodney Kizito