Robert Iredell, 1909 University of Akron alumnus and co-founder of General Tire and Rubber Company, endowed the Robert Iredell Chair in Chemical Engineering in 1964. The Chair provides funds to the College of Engineering for the salary of an outstanding faculty member. It also supports research in both the professor’s and the departmental programs.

     The creation of a named chair is the highest investment in human potential. For the University, a chair enables the creation of a faculty position to attract a brilliant teacher or researcher whose presence on campus enriches the educational environment for the faculty and student, as well as the public.

     The Robert Iredell Chair in Chemical Engineering is the oldest of the seven endowed Chairs held by The University of Akron. Its presence has allowed the University to enrich and expand the quality of education offered to its students. Appointment to the Iredell Chair is a highly esteemed distinction. Two outstanding individuals have held this position: Dr. Robert W. Roberts and Dr. Sunggyu Lee.

     The Iredell Chair in Chemical Engineering has reached an endowment level of over $1.5 million dollars. This amount includes the many contributions made by members of the Iredell family over the last 28 years.

     The University of Akron has benefited greatly through the distinction bestowed upon the University by the Robert Iredell Chair in Chemical Engineering. The Iredell family has our sincere appreciation for their support and commitment.