Dr. John Richard Martin, Professor Emeritus at the University of Houston College of Technology and a long-time friend of many, died July 29, 2014 in Houston, Texas.
Martin was a faculty member in the College of Technology for more than 30 years. He earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Houston and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Texas A & M University. Dr. Martin served as a Professor and Chair of Civil Technology and as Assistant Dean of the College of Technology. He also taught graduate courses for Air Force officers in England and Germany.
During his UH tenure, many colleagues witnessed his dedication to Technology programs through his teaching, which focused on surveying, construction materials, structural steel construction and strength of materials. Always devoted to his students, Dr. Martin was noted for his upholding high standards that would enable students to successfully progress through their academic journey at UH.
As an administrator, Dr. Martin successfully worked to strengthen the programs in the College of Technology, particularly those in Civil Technology. He was instrumental in establishing one of the first accredited Bachelor of Science Degree programs in Civil Technology, while serving first as Director of the School of Drafting and successively as Chair of Building Construction, both forerunners of today’s program in Building Construction.
He later extended this expertise internationally through his leadership of College of Technology programs in India and Algeria. In Madras India, Dr. Martin served as Field Coordinator for the summer science institutes, directed at developing bonds and establishing collaboration between technical faculty in India and the US. In Bangalore India, he consulted with the government on polytechnic education. In Algeria, his work was with the programs at L’Institut d’Electricite et d’Electronique.
Dr. Martin was a member of the Houston Engineering and Scientific Society, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the French Honor Society Pi Delta Phi, and the American Society for Engineering Education. He was a Registered Professional Engineer and a Registered Surveyor.
His life was multi-faceted, reflecting his love of music, a keen interest in philosophy and theology, and genuine concern for his family and the welfare of those with whom he lived and worked.
The College of Technology faculty appreciate his efforts; memorialize his contributions and will miss him as a faculty colleague and friend.