Howard Witt, professor emeritus and retired dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Oakland University in Michigan, died Oct. 18, 2015, at the age of 86.

In 1953 Witt graduated from the University of Toronto, and in 1959 he earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Princeton. He received a Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1967.

Witt joined the department of electrical and computer engineering at Oakland University in 1967 and remained there until retiring in 1997. He had risen to a full professorship in 1971 and then became assistant dean in charge of undergraduate engineering programs. In 1988 Witt was appointed dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS), taking over after four deans held the post in the preceding four years. The current dean, Louay Chamra, said, “Howard Witt served as dean during a pivotal time in the field of engineering. His dedication to SECS impacted generations of future engineers and computer scientists who would come to Oakland University.”

During his career, Witt was a consultant to Westinghouse Electric and other corporations.

Witt is survived by his wife of 59 years, Althea; three children; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Graduate memorials are written by the APGA.

Class Year: 
Graduate Class of 1959