In Memoriam: Honoring Longtime USU Engineering Professor J. Clair Batty
J. Clair Batty, a Trustee Professor in the College of Engineering at Utah State University, passed away on Feb. 3 at the age of 85.
J. Clair Batty, esteemed Trustee Professor at Utah State University, passed away on February 3 at the age of 85. A distinguished educator and innovator, he made lasting contributions to engineering and inspired generations of students during his 38-year career at USU.
Batty earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1961 and his master's degree in mechanical engineering in 1963, both from the College of Engineering at USU. Following his graduation, he joined the faculty as an assistant professor, launching his respected career in academia.
In 1967, Batty temporarily stepped away from teaching to pursue his doctorate in science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned his Sc.D. in 1969. He returned to USU shortly after where he continued to shape the lives of students and make a lasting impact in his field.
In addition to teaching, Batty served as the head of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at USU and as associate director of the Utah Water Research Laboratory. He was the author or co-author of over 150 publications and supervised the research of more than 70 master's and Ph.D. candidates. He and his students made significant contributions in areas such as extended-life light bulbs, solar energy, thermal management of space systems, energy use in irrigated agriculture, and the food system. Additionally, Batty was a member of the Old Main Society and played a key role in developing thermal management systems for several critical space instruments at USU's Space Dynamics Laboratory.
"Dr. Batty was a truly compassionate and captivating educator," said Thomas Fronk, senior associate dean of the College of Engineering. "His dynamic and motivating teaching of thermodynamics inspired countless engineers worldwide. His influence extended far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting and profoundly positive impact on engineering students, the College of Engineering, and Utah State University as a whole."
Throughout his career, Batty received numerous recognitions for his contributions to engineering and education. He was named Trustee Professor by the USU Board of Trustees and was recognized as a Fulbright Senior Scholar in 2001. Some of his other honors included the Engineering Educator of the Year Award from the Utah Engineering Council (2003), the Governor's Medal for Science and Technology (2003), USU's Teaching Entrepreneur of the Year (2009), the MAE Distinguished Service Award (2014), and the Old Main Society Emeriti Award (2015).
Batty was also the founder and senior scientist at Thermal Management Technologies in Logan, Utah where he focused on transforming innovative ideas into commercial technologies.
After 38 years of dedicated service at USU, Batty retired in June 2003, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both the university and engineering communities.
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Writer: Madeline Buskirk, madeline.buskirk@usu.edu, 435-797-7512
Contact: Thomas Fronk, thomas.fronk@usu.edu, 435-797-0116