Hall of Fame Member Biographies

John E. Fagan

Professor Fagan joined the College of Engineering at  The University of Oklahoma in 1975.  He received  his Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas in 1977.  Prior to earning his PhD, Professor Fagan worked in  the avionics industry and  served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force.  From the moment that he joined the faculty of the College of Engineering he has been responsible for creating  many innovative programs of design based hands on learning for students of all engineering disciplines at all levels.  These learning experiences, over the past 30 years, have produced many  nationally and internationally recognized and first place OU student teams in the areas of solar power, and alternative energy transportation technologies.  These outstanding students have brought great recognition to The University and the State of Oklahoma.  For thirty-four years, he has continually produced an amazing record of teaching and scholarship excellence.  Professor Fagan holds The University of Oklahoma’s highest recognition for teaching excellence, The David Ross Boyd Professorship.    John has also earned a multitude of teaching and research awards such as the UOSA Award for Outstanding Teaching and Academic Performance, (1987, 1992, 1998), the Brandon H. Griffin Award for Outstanding Teaching and Advising (1979,1980, 1989, 1990, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000), and the Samuel Noble Presidential Professorship for outstanding teaching and scholarship.  While maintaining the highest of teaching standards Professor Fagan has compiled  an envious record of scholarly research achievement, to include the prestigious IEEE Award for Outstanding Technical Contribution Award, 1981, and the IEEE Outstanding Achievement Award three times, 1995, 1995, and 2002.  He has published fifty-four  papers and obtained over  thirty  million dollars of external  funding for his areas of energy and aviation research.  No less impressive, Professor Fagan has been awarded fourteen  US and international patents with four additional patents pending.  This body of work has helped make illustrious the educational achievements of the state of Oklahoma.  It is with great honor that the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society inducts John E. Fagan into the Higher Education Hall of Fame.