Associate Professor 1989-1994

Professor William (Bill) Hovey retired after five years with the EET Department. Prof. Hovey started at the University of Dayton in the Fall of 1953 as an electrical engineer in the Research Institute (UDRI). Little did he know this initial position would lead to a long career at the University. His first task at UDRI was to install, maintain and operate instruments on B-36’s in the South Pacific to determine the effects on the aircraft as it flew near the detonation site of a hydrogen bomb. The plane was located at an altitude of 40,000 feet, but not directly overhead when the bomb went off. Prof. Hovey, along with other young engineers, flew aboard the plane in order to monitor the equipment. They always returned to base with one or two of the engines out and the side panels caved in. He said that it was so much fun, they did it six times. His early years could not have been more exciting-- not many engineers start out in jobs like that.

Prof. Hovey went on to become a manager in the Research Institute and by 1965 he was the Supervisor for Electronics and Computer Engineering. During one 10-year stretch, over 120 publications were written on contracts supervised by Bill. He received a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Ohio State University in 1967. The educational experience kindled an interest in teaching. In 1989 he was appointed to the rank of Associate Professor in the EET Department. His skills in electronic design were revived. This career change was a "breath of fresh air", says Prof. Hovey who admits that he has enjoyed the last five years, especially summers, very much.

In retirement, Prof. Hovey does a lot of traveling, a lot of fishing, and a lot of "spoiling" his many grandchildren. Who knows, he may be teaching part-time when he feels the need to do something technical. Professor Hovey sends his best wishes to all our alumni. He has treasured the time spent with his students and feels very much a member of our Department in retirement.