Program History

First Chair, Dr. John T. Gilmore

In his career as a college and university professor at UAPB, Dr. Gilmore served as professor of mathematics, physics, computer science and engineering, serving also as director of the Computer Science Program and coordinator of the Dual-Degree Program in Engineering. He later ascended to the position of Chairman of the Department of Mathematics, Physics, Pre-Engineering and Computer Science. He also served as graduate faculty in the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. ln1974, Dr. Gilmore developed, organized and implemented the first Dual-Degree Program in Engineering at UAPB: He recruited the first eight (8) pre-engineering students and aided in obtaining financial assistance from private sectors, i.e., ALCOA Foundation, Exxon Foundation, General Electric and Monsanto, In executing his duties, he also served as faculty liaison for cooperative efforts in engineering with Howard University, Washington, D.C.; Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX; Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA; and Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH. In 1981 and 1982, Dr. Gilmore served as design engineer for the United States Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District Office, Little Rock, AR.

In addition to his professorial, civic and religious duties, Dr. Gilmore was also an entrepreneur. He was a real estate broker and owner of North Star Realty for several years. In this position, he served as FHA fee appraiser. From 1977-1983, he served as Area Management Broker, Department of Housing & Urban Development (Jefferson-Arkansas Counties, AR).

Dr. Gilmore enjoyed reading and traveling. In the early years, it was comic books, but he later graduated to more sophisticated reading material. Sometimes, he would read four or five newspapers at one evening setting. Two of his favorite TV western characters were Chester and Festus on “Gunsmoke,” with Marshall Dillon. He also enjoyed watching the news, sports and “Wheel of Fortune.” Dr. Gilmore traveled to Europe, South Africa and Asia as a member of mission teams. He was a philanthropist at heart and touched the lives of hundreds. He also donated thousands of dollars to help those in need.