Professional Achievement Citation in Engineering
College of Engineering
Established in 1968 to recognize superior technical or professional accomplishments in research, development, administration, education, and other engineering activities. The citation recognizes alumni/alumnae eminently known for their professional competence and creativity.

James H. Tracey

BS Electrical Engineering ’60
MS Electrical Engineering ’61
PhD Electrical Engineering ’64
Castle Rock, Colo.

James Tracey has been dean of engineering at three universities and is known worldwide for his contributions to computer design. His 1964 dissertation research became known as Tracey's Theorem and has led to a method for predicting the effect of nuclear radiation on computer logic, which is crucial for national security.
 
As head of electrical engineering at Kansas State University, Tracey learned the importance of building relations with industry and the community and of developing strong graduate programs. Those became hallmarks of his career in administration.

Tracey became dean of engineering at Colorado State University in 1982, then took over the same role at the University of Texas at San Antonio five years later. At both institutions he obtained first-time accreditation for all programs, guided construction of new buildings, and initiated Ph.D. programs.

When Henry and Betty Rowan donated $100 million to establish a School of Engineering at Glassboro State College in Glassboro, N.J., Tracey was selected as its founding dean. He again planned a new building and hired department heads and faculty. Before the building was complete or curricula in place, he took on the challenge of recruiting excellent students for the school’s first class. Again calling upon industry and others for support, he obtained four-year scholarships for every member of the class, who all stayed until they graduated, at which point Tracey retired. The programs he founded, now known as the College of Engineering at Rowan University, continue to flourish today.

Tracey is an annual member of the ISU Alumni Association.