Officials from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and Nucor Corporation have announced the selection of Dr. Dana Medlin for the Nucor Endowed Professorship for Metallurgical and Steelmaking Technologies.
The endowed professorship is the result of a $1 million gift from Nucor to the materials and metallurgical engineering department at the School of Mines. The new professorship will provide critical support for steelmaking research and ensure the continuation of higher education in the field. Funds will also be used to support graduate and undergraduate students working with the named faculty, support travel, dues, professional enrichment and other necessary research and teaching expenditures.
"On behalf of the entire university, I would like to thank Nucor for its generous gift," School of Mines President Robert A. Wharton, Ph.D., said. "Our congratulations go to Dr. Medlin for his selection as the Nucor Endowed Professor. His experience in industry, academia and community outreach brings a unique perspective to what will be an important position."
Medlin received his bachelor's in mechanical engineering, his master's in mechanical engineering and his Ph.D. in materials science engineering, all from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He began his career at the Colorado School of Mines as a research assistant professor, and then moved into industry. He served as a materials specialist with several companies and global metallurgy leader and principal engineer of the metals research group for Zimmer, Inc., manufacturer of orthopedic, spinal, and dental medical devices.
Medlin joined the materials and metallurgical engineering department at the School of Mines in 2005 and also serves in the biomedical engineering graduate program.
"The Nucor gift has the potential to positively transform our program," Dr. Jon Kellar, chair, materials and metallurgical engineering, said. "Dr. Dana Medlin will be the first Nucor Professor for Metallurgical and Steelmaking Technologies and is the perfect person to assume this position. Since he joined the School of Mines in 2005 Dr. Medlin has led numerous curricular efforts, engaging faculty and students throughout this process."
