Kenneth (Larry) DeVries, Mechanical Engineering Emeritus Distinguished Professor who served with the University of Utah for more than 55 years, will be awarded the Distinguished Examination Service Award from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. The NCEES is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing professional licensure for engineers and surveyors.
“People are always so nice to me. They give me awards for doing things I enjoy doing,” DeVries said about receiving the award. “I feel rewarded to just be able to participate in these activities.”
The NCEES award is just the latest in a slew of accolades that DeVries has received during his career, which includes the American Society for Engineering Education’s Lifetime Achievement Award, ASEE’s highest honor. He also received the University of Utah Presidential Teaching Award, Associated Students of the University of Utah Professor of the Year Award, the Utah Engineering Educator Award, and the University of Utah Distinguished Teacher Award. In 2003, he received the Calvin S. and Jeneal N. Hatch Prize in Teaching, which is the university’s highest award for teaching excellence. He also was honored with the Ralph Coates Roe Award from the American Society for Engineering Education and the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology.
DeVries retired from the University of Utah in 2018 and has led a remarkable engineering education career that underscores his dedication and leadership. He earned his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering in 1959 and a doctorate in physics and mechanical engineering in 1962, both from the University of Utah. He joined the mechanical engineering faculty at the U that same year. Since then, he has served in several different positions including assistant professor, distinguished professor, president of the academic senate, as well as senior associate and acting dean of the college before retiring.
He will be honored by the NCEES during its virtual annual meeting this year and in person next year in New Orleans.