J. Michael Rodriguez 28

DE GA / COBA

Juh Wah Chen put off his retirement for two years because of the construction of the new $14-million wing in the Engineering Building.

Now that construction is over, Chen, dean of the SIUC College of Engineering, is set to retire July 1.

It’s going to be a change of routine, the 69-year-old dean said. I was scheduled to retire a year or two ago, but because of this new facility, I wanted to stay here until it was completed.

The new wing in the Engineering Building is a part of a $14- million project that opened in August by Gov. Jim Edgar. The wing features 40 research and teaching laboratories for mining, electrical, mechanical and civil engineering programs, as well as three high-tech brake labs for the school’s Center for Advanced Friction Studies.

The annex features all of the latest technologies, those of which I wish I had in school, Chen said.

Chen received his bachelor’s degree in 1953 at the Taiwan College of Engineering. He received his master’s degree in 1957 at the University of Illinois and his doctorate in 1959 from the U of I with his major in chemical engineering and a minor in physical chemistry.

Out of the people that I graduated with, only two of us went into teaching, Chen said. I never thought I’d become a dean. At that time, I never saw it.

Chen began teaching at SIUC in 1965 as an associate professor of engineering. He became a professor of engineering in 1969. From 1971 to 1984 he was professor and chairman for the Department of Thermal and Environmental Engineering.

Chen became the associate dean in 1985 and held that position until 1988. He took on the position of dean of the College of Engineering in 1989. Chen was then recognized as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan in 1991-92. He returned to SIUC in the fall of 1992 where he continued to serve as dean.

I’m not a good manager, Chen said. I’m a good leader.

James Orr, outreach program director for the College of Engineering, said that over the years, he has seen Chen’s leadership abilities, and he has carried out what Chen has taught him.

His direction to me is, I will provide you with any assistance that you need, but I expect you to get the job done,’ Orr said. He provides the leadership, then he empowers me to get the job done.

I’ve watched him accomplish difficult tasks and how he gets in with various nationwide corporations. I emulate a lot of his actions.

Chen said his true enjoyment came early in his educational career.

My personal enjoyment is teaching and research. I enjoy working with the faculty and the students, Chen said. The most rewarding thing throughout my tenure (at SIUC) is seeing the success of my students.

Chen closely monitored the progress of the students in the College of Engineering throughout his stay, which he said helped the program become successful.

My goal was to make the College of Engineering recognized among the nation. I believe we achieved that, Chen said. All of the faculty and the department chairs did a tremendous job for the reaccreditation.

James Evers, associate dean for the College of Engineering, said Chen was correct when he gave credit to faculty and department chairs for the reaccreditation. But Evers said Chen should take some credit.

It was ultimately his responsibility, Evers said. The majority of the work is done by others. He’s the one that has to make sure it clicks.

Civil, electrical, mechanical and mining engineering programs all received reaccreditation notices by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology. The programs are accredited until the year 2002.

In past years of reaccreditation processes, we have had small problems, Chen said. This is the first time that all programs received reaccreditation together.

Before we were not reaccredited because of space. Our labs were too crowded, and our equipment was not updated, but now with the new facility we were granted reaccreditation.

Chen said that throughout his 32-year stay, the University and himself have grown together.

Chen has three children who grew up in the Murphysboro area. Chen’s oldest son, David, 37, is studying computer media in Boston. Chen’s other son, John, 35, is a lawyer in Chicago. His daughter, Jeanne, 34, is an architect in Los Angeles.

My big supporter is my wife (Lin). She helped me tremendously, Chen said. I never had a giving-up feeling, thanks to her.

Lin Chen said staying home with the children played a big part in Juh Wah Chen’s belief that she gave him full support.

I don’t think I deserve that much, Lin Chen said. He’s a very hard worker. I think that he said that because I stayed home and took care of the kids, and I think that it was understood that whatever he does, I support it.

Chen waited until his children were completely grown before he took on the job of dean.

With this job, there is no such thing as weekends or evenings. On average, I work about 60 to 70 hours per week, he said. It’s time for a new person here.

The University is conducting a nationwide search for a new dean. And I told them I do not want any part in the search process.

Chen said he will not lose touch with the University after his retirement, and he has agreed with University officials to be given the title of Dean Emeritus effective on the day of his retirement.

Chen will be available on a consulting basis, but said he will not jump right into the job.

After a few months or a year of relaxing, I plan on doing more consulting-type of work, Chen said. I will not be taking a regular job by any means.

Chen will not take any official assignments and will not receive any compensation from the University.

I will do volunteer work, Chen said. I have to. I love this place.