Texas Tech University

Distinguished Engineer Citations

                 
Distinguished Engineer Photo: William H. Hervey
William H. Hervey

William H. Hervey

Distinguished Engineer

1998

Degree

Textile Engineering – 1949

 

Citation

At Time of Nomination in 1998

William (Bill) H. Hervey’s main goal after graduation from high school in 1941 was attending college. He attended several colleges and universities in Texas and after completing his military service with the U.S. Army, 42nd Infantry Division in 1946, he entered Texas Tech, completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Engineering in 1949. While a student at Texas Tech, he and his wife, Hoppy, served as senior counselors for the men’s dorms, Doak and West Halls. He served as the President of the National Textile Fraternity his senior year at Texas Tech.

His first job was in reporting and sales for Dunn & Bradstreet. After several years, he moved to Julian Noa Curtain Manufacturing Company. In 1957, he joined Blue Bell, Inc. in manufacturing and sales of work clothes, Wrangler Jeans, shirts, and jackets in Dallas. In 1962, he was transferred to sales and sales management in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1965, he was named as the District Sales Manager; promoted in 1972 to Vice President of Sales and Marketing; in 1980, as President of the Menswear Division; and in 1986, named as the Executive Vice President of the Wrangler Division VF Corporation, following a merger of Blue Bell/VF. In 1989, he became a consultant to the President and Chief Operating Officer, VF Corporation, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, and to President of the Wrangler Division VF Corporation, Greensboro, North Carolina.

From 1968 through 1970, Bill Hervey served as President of the Men’s Fashion Association. He served for many years as a board member and officer of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant, Inc. and presently serves as the liaison for the Wrangler company with the Professional Cowboy’s Association. In 1988, he was named "Rodeo Man of the Year" for the service and support to the sport of rodeo during his career. In 1997, he was elected to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. He is and has been one of the biggest supporters of the National Cowboy Symposium and Celebration since its inception in 1989.

Bill Hervey is married to the former Vera Harber Maas, and they have four sons, Phil, Mike, Scott, Jay, two daughters–in–law, Barbara and Leslie, and seven grandchildren.

Texas Tech University is honored to name William (Bill) H. Hervey as a DISTINGUISHED ENGINEER.

Return to the Past Winners page.