Ferrell named to Fluor-Clemson professorship

CLEMSON, SC — Bill Ferrell of Clemson University has been appointed to a professorship that recognizes his instrumental role in an online master’s program that has graduated about 100 students in four years and is expected to pay for a $10 million addition to Freeman Hall.

Ferrell was named the Fluor-Clemson International Capital Supply Chain Partnership Professor in Industrial Engineering.

It is designed to support and enhance the industrial engineering department’s partnership with Fluor Corporation, the department’s ongoing teaching and research efforts in supply chain logistics, and the Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering. The master’s program focuses on supply chain logistics, specifically addressing capital projects.The professorship recognizes a sustained record of excellence in teaching, research, scholarship and service.

Ferrell said he is humbled.

“The fact that this is tied to Fluor is particularly nice,” he said. “We’ve developed a good relationship over the past seven years. I’ve enjoyed being part of it.”

About 150 students from all over the world are enrolled in the Master of Engineering program. Courses are offered online. One graduate even completed some of his coursework in Kuwait and Afghanistan while working for defense contractors.

The program prepares engineers for leadership roles in improving the flow of goods and materials, including for capital projects. It is targeted toward working professionals who want to remain employed full time while pursuing advanced degrees.

Mike Wheeler, senior vice president of supply chain and chief procurement officer at Fluor, said the professorship deepens the continuing and successful partnership between Fluor and Clemson.

“Fluor is pleased to be an integral partner in the Clemson University International Capital Supply Chain Partnership Professorship in Industrial Engineering,” he said. “Our partnership is educating new leaders in supply-chain management for the engineering, procurement and construction industry.

“Bill Ferrell has been an enthusiastic leader of the partnership since its inception and we are pleased to see the recognition awarded to Bill by Clemson.”

Among those congratulating Ferrell was Cole Smith, who is chair of the industrial engineering department.

“The Master of Engineering program started in 2008 thanks in large part to Bill’s work in doing marketing analysis and canvassing industry with the goal of filling our virtual classrooms,” Smith said. “Without Bill, this venture may never have gotten off the ground.”

Smith also credited the master’s program  with making it possible to put a $10 million addition onto Freeman Hall, home to industrial engineering. The university is putting up the money for the addition, and the industrial engineering department expects to pay it back with proceeds from the master’s program.

As part of the professorship, Ferrell will work to include more international content in the program and put more of the research focus on international supply chains.

His professorship comes as international markets grow at a rapid clip, opening tremendous business opportunities for corporations worldwide, including in the United States. The growth is increasing the need for engineers who understand the unique challenges specific to each nation.

Ken Smith, senior vice president of business development for Fluor, said the Master of Engineering program stands out among the very best in the industry.

“The Clemson-Fluor global supply chain and logistics program has provided significant value for Fluor and other companies in the engineering, procurement and construction industry,” Smith said. “We have the utmost confidence in Bill’s ability to lead this program.”

Anand Gramopadhye, dean of the College of Engineering and Science, said the professorship is well-deserved.

“The professorship reflects the exemplary work that Bill has done,” Gramopadhye said. “He has built an excellent program that is literally changing the face of Clemson’s campus, while preparing students all over the globe for leadership roles. Congratulations to Bill.”