Clemson University professor recognized as outstanding leader
June 11, 2015
CLEMSON, SC — A Clemson University professor who has shown the rare combination of academic and industry achievement has won an honor that goes to only the most accomplished members in the world’s largest professional society for industrial engineers.
Scott Mason has won the Fellow Award from the Institute of Industrial Engineers. The Atlanta-based institute has about 15,000 members and has bestowed the honor on about 520 members since 1950.
“It’s a rewarding feeling to know that your peers — people you look up to — have recognized the contributions you’ve made,” Mason said. “You don’t make the contributions to get the award, but when somebody votes you to be the highest-ranking member in their society, it feels good.”
Mason is a professor and the Fluor Endowed Chair in Supply Chain Optimization and Logistics.
The award recognizes outstanding leaders who have made significant, nationally recognized contributions to industrial engineering. A fellow is the highest classification of membership.
Candidates must demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in their professional careers and in service to industrial engineering.
Mason is renowned as an expert in semiconductor manufacturing, developing software that several companies use daily. He is also involved in several research projects with industry. His partnerships, for example, have helped a fabric maker operate more efficiently and suggested new ways of delivering meals to home bound residents.
Mason has graduated nine Ph.D. students and supported them with nearly $5 million in research funding from various sources. Mason has authored or co-authored nearly 50 journal articles, one book and three book chapters.
In April, Mason began serving a three-year term as senior vice president of continuing education for the Institute of Industrial Engineers.
Cole Smith, chair of industrial engineering at Clemson, said that Mason’s award is a richly deserved honor.
“His passion for industrial engineering is palpable,” Smith said. “Scott is highly accomplished in academia and in industry. He is not only an amazing teacher and researcher, but he is also a skilled practitioner. It’s rare to find that combination.”
Clemson now has at least six fellows in the Institute of Industrial Engineers.
The others include Bill Ferrell, who is the Fluor-Clemson International Capital Supply Chain Partnership Professor in Industrial Engineering and associate dean of the graduate school; and Anand Gramopadhye, dean of the College of Engineering and Science.
At least three faculty emeriti are also fellows: Del Kimbler, Mike Leonard and Biff Kennedy.
The award helps raise Clemson’s industrial engineering profile among academics and industry professionals.
Mason was nominated for the award by Joseph C. Hartman, dean of the Francis College of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
“I truly believe that Dr. Mason deserves to be named a fellow of IIE,” Hartman wrote in the nomination letter. “He has contributed significantly to our profession through his research and consulting and he has been a sincere and dedicated advocate for IIE.”
Congratulations also came from Gramopadhye.
“The award is well-deserved,” he said. “Scott is a dedicated, passionate and tireless industrial engineer who leads by example. Clemson and the profession are fortunate to have him.”
