University of Idaho Professor Brian Johnson was named the first Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Chair in Power Engineering Tuesday. Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories gave a $2 million gift last month to fund the chair. Schweitzer is an international electrical power systems company based in Pullman.
The endowed chair is based in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering within UI”s College of Engineering.
Brian Johnson accepts his new position as chairman at the University of Idaho’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
“I”m honored to be selected as the first Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Chair in Power Engineering,” Johnson said in a statement from the university. “I”m excited about the possibilities the new step in our relationship with SEL offers to increase opportunities to excite students about power engineering and strengthen their understanding through courses, design projects and research.”
Johnson is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and has received international recognition in the field of power engineering.
The earnings from the endowment will be used to support the faculty member”s research project and would be used to fund students, staff, travel and equipment, according to the university statement.
Schweitzer Founder and President Ed Schweitzer said they are delighted to have Johnson as the first chair.
“He”s already made such a big impact on so many students, and we hope this growing partnership between SEL and the University of Idaho will further amplify and expand his influence and work,” Schweitzer said in a statement from the university.
Ryan Tarinelli can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @ryantarinelli