Dr. Nylin Named CS Distinguished Alumnus
04-06-2007
Dr. William "Bill" Nylin is the 2007 Computer Science Distinguished Science Alumnus (DSA). The DSA program was established in 1990. Recipients are chosen for their distinguished accomplishments in professional and related fields of endeavor. Dr. Nylin will be presented with an award by Provost, Dr. Sally Frost Mason on Friday, April 6th at the DSA Program in the Elliot Hall of Music.
Dr. Bill Nylin is currently the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Conn's Inc. He oversees most facets of Conn's, a retailer of home appliances and electronics which has generated over $750 million dollars in sales. Dr. Nylin is also involved in many professional, civic, and academic activities. He serves on the following boards and councils: Texas State University System Foundation, Chancellor's Council of the Texas State University System, Lamar Institute of Technology Foundation, Purdue University President's Council, Lamar Computer Sciences Advisory Council, Texas Association for Institutional Research, Texas Association of State Colleges and University Business Officers, and the Texas Coordinating Board.
Dr. Nylin resides in Beaumont, Texas with his wife, Libbie. He received his Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Lamar University, and his Master of Science and PhD in computer science from Purdue University. Dr. Nylin is a graduate of the Institute of Educational Management Program at Harvard University. He has authored twenty five published papers and technical reports. Prior to his position at Conn's Inc. he held many administrative positions at Lamar University and was the first Director of the academic Computer Science Program. He was an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Lamar University, and also taught at Southern Methodist University, Purdue University, and Florida Atlantic University during his teaching career.
Faculty, staff and students will have the opportunity to hear Dr. Nylin give a talk during his DSA festivities. His talk will be held in the Lawson Computer Science Building (LWSN), room 3102A/B on Friday at 9:30 a.m.