Dean Emeritus, Dave Williams Recognized With Blaser Award

The recipient of the 2020 Dwight Blaser Meritorious Service Award is Dave Williams, Dean Emeritus of The Ohio State College of Engineering. This award is presented annually to individuals or organizations whose sustained and extraordinary services have had a significant and lasting effect on the advancement of Ohio State’s Center for Automotive Research (CAR).

“Dave has been an avid supporter of the Center for Automotive Research from the beginning,” said CAR Director, Giorgio Rizzoni. “He recognizes the value the center brings to both the college and university. He’s also been a great supporter of the student Motorsports program, giving them opportunities to excel and grow.”

Throughout his 10 year tenure as Dean, faculty numbers increased from 289 to 412, with a 112% increase and 121% increase in female faculty and minority faculty, respectively. Diversity of the college’s leadership team has also improved with 41% of the Executive Committee currently being women. Williams also implemented the college’s first strategic plan that emphasizes engineering innovation in materials, manufacturing, mobility and medicine.

“CAR is the kind of organization I want to support,” said Williams. “It puts students at the forefront of what we do. The things that happen at CAR exemplify what I think a university like Ohio State should do and it’s always been great fun to show up at CAR events and watch the team there teach students about mobility.”