Texas Tech University

Distinguished Engineer Citations

                 
Distinguished Engineer Photo: Charles L. Harris, Jr.
Charles L. Harris, Jr.

Charles L. Harris, Jr.

Distinguished Engineer

1985

Degree

Textile Engineering – 1947

 

Citation

At Time of Nomination in 1985

Charles L. Harris has had a long and very successful career with WestPoint Pepperell in Opelika, Alabama, where he presently resides. Harris has worked at Pepperell for the past 32 years. After his graduation from Tech in 1947 in Textile Engineering, he was employed as a superintendent with West Textile Mills in West, Texas, the town where he was born. In 1953, he joined Pepperell as a methods engineer and rose through the ranks from manager to general manager to vice president of manufacturing, Bed Products Division, a position he has held since 1973.

Mr. Harris has been a leader in all phases of his life. In World War II, he received four battle stars as a member of the Corps of Engineers. In his profession, he has served as president of the Textile Manufacturing Association, chairman of the Alabama Textile Operating Executive Organization, and president and treasurer of the Alabama Textile Education Foundation.

In recognition of his many contributions to his community, he has been awarded the Jaycee’s Distinguished Service Award, the Alabama Recreation and Parks Society’s Layman Award, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service Leadership Award. He is an active member of the Opelika Rotary Club and a dedicated worker in the Opelika Presbyterian Church, where he is on the Board of Elders. His avocation has been Little League Baseball, and in 1982, the Dixie Youth League dedicated their state tournament to him. Of particular importance to Tech has been Harris’ enthusiastic support for his alma mater. In 1984, he was given the Ex–Students Association Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Through exceptional service, Charles L. Harris, Jr. has brought credit to the College of Engineering and is now designated DISTINGUISHED ENGINEER.

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