William C. Harris

William Charles Harris, former Dean of the Institute of Textile Technology, died on December 8, 2003, at his home in Louisiana.

Bill attended the Institute of Textile Technology, where he joined the faculty in 1955 after receiving his M.S. degree in Textile Technology. During his tenure, Bill was Chairman of the Academic Committee from 1959-1962, and Director of the Operations Research Division during 1962-1964. In 1964, he was elected president by the Board of Trustees, serving in this capacity for nine years. After stepping down from the presidency, he was Director of Information Services from 1973-1981. This position included Library and Publications functions. He was instrumental in bringing the Textile Technology Digest journal of abstracts on-line for worldwide availability via computer. In 1981 he was named Dean of the Institute where he led the program to secure professional accreditation of the
Institute's educational activity.

During his career at ITT Bill Harris taught more than 300 graduate students and was research thesis advisor to 40 of them. He also assisted in preparing and conducting Continuing Education Short Courses in various aspects of textile manufacture for thousands of industry participants. He retired in 1989 with the title Dean Emeritus and enjoyed the quiet life with his wife on their farm in Louisa County. Bill will be missed by many friends and family.

College of Textiles
P.O. Box 8301
Raleigh, NC 27695-8301
Telephone: (919) 515-6646
FAX: (919) 515-3733
JTATM Privacy Policy

Last Site Revision:
January 16, 2004