Distinguished Engineer Citations

                 

James W. Clifton

Distinguished Engineer

1985

Degree

Electrical Engineering – 1960

 

Citation

At Time of Nomination in 1985

James W. Clifton (Jay) was born in Staton, Texas and still calls Texas his home, although his professional responsibilities are in North Chicago for Abbott Laboratories. Mr. Clifton received both his B.S. and M.S. from Texas Tech in Electrical Engineering in 1959 and 1960, and he has used these degrees and his own native talents to explore the world and to move rapidly into upper management of a Fortune 500 Company.

Mr. Clifton is currently division vice president and general manager of Advanced Critical Care & Control Systems, Hospital Products Division. From 1981–1984, he was vice president and general manager of the Pacific Far East Diagnostics Division in Tokyo. He has been and is currently in charge of development, production, and sales activities. With Abbott Laboratories since 1975, he has also served as manager of Strategic Planning Analytical Systems and general manager of Hematology Systems.

From 1972 through 1974, Mr. Clifton was employed at Bowmar Instrument Corporation in Phoenix as group vice president and general manager and in Ottawa, Canada as president and chief operating officer of the Canadian Subsidiary. He began his career with Texas Instruments, Inc. in 1960, where he developed his management skills and the expertise to handle the complex tasks of corporate strategic planning and product development.

Mr. Clifton has also distinguished himself through activities in the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan and in the Health Care Industry Association, working for more liberal import regulations and promoting free trade. He enjoys his family and has kept strong connections to old friends, colleagues, and mentors from his college years.

His professional accomplishments, personal integrity, and service bring credit to the College. We are proud to designate James W. Clifton a DISTINGUISHED ENGINEER.

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