School of Technology appoints new department head

Photo courtesy of Robert Herrick 100 MILES A DAY: Robert Herrick cycles across Quebec, Canada in his recumbent bicycle. He will become the electrical engineering technology department head July 1.

By Ian Clift
Summer Reporter

Robert Herrick traveled 1,400 miles by recumbent bicycle across Nova Scotia.

Herrick, who becomes the head of the department of electrical engineering technology on July 1, traveled through the hills and towns in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec with his friend and colleague Mike Jacobs, professor of electrical engineering technology.

Herrick colors his life of electrical science with short daring excursions such as the one to Nova Scotia and another though Washington and Idaho on his recumbent bicycle, which allows a rider to lie back as he rides.

After his friend recommended the bike Herrick said, "I was convinced that it was the only way to ride."

But bicycles are a pass time and teaching is his life. Herrick developed and teaches EET107: "Introduction to Circuit Analysis," which is one of his favorite courses. He is committed to making Purdue not only an excellent research institution, but also an excellent teaching institution.

"Primarily my focus is on the student and on student learning," he said. "My motto is 'I'm here to help you, help yourself.'"

"It's really nice," said Herrick, "when (a former student) writes you back and (says) they wouldn't have made it through college without your help and guidance."

Herrick will be replacing Larry Hoffman as department head on July 1. Fred Emshousen, associate dean for the School of Technology, said, "Dr. Hoffman had been department head for 13 years, he wanted to have time to do other things."

"It was time for someone else to take up the reigns," he said, "Bob Herrick is quite a renowned leader in electrical engineering technology."

Some of Herrick's accomplishments include nominations from his department and school for outstanding teaching awards as well as being the recipient of Purdue's Murphy award for outstanding teaching. He is also the Hoffer Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology.

In addition, he is dedicated to his work with the Committee on Educating Teaching Assistants, a program created by Robert Ringel, vice president for academic affairs, who is stepping down this year.

Emshousen said, "(Harrick) is well positioned to take the place of Larry (Hoffman) and maintain the envious position."

The Electrical Engineering Department at Purdue is one of the best in the nation, said Emshousen.

Herrick found his interest in electronics while he was a teenager. "(I) had a whole room devoted to electronic gear," Harrick said. "When I went into the Air Force I picked electronics as my area of interest."

From the military Harrick went to Michigan State and receive his bachelor's degree in 1968.

Twelve years of research followed, including time spent at Bell Telephone Laboratory, which paid for his master's degree at Purdue.

He worked for Bell until 1978, helping to develop a new area of electronics. The electronic digital switching systems he worked on are still being used today.

He spent two more years in research at the International Advanced Technology Center, before heading into his most important contribution, teaching.

"To me there is nothing more engaging then working with students and seeing them succeed," said Harrick.

His 22 years in education began at the University of Toledo where he headed the electronics engineering department for six years and Head of all engineering technologies for the last three years.

He came to Purdue in 1989 as an associate professor.

His daughter and son-in-law graduated from Purdue and he as two grandchildren. Harrick says Purdue is a family tradition, "My four year old grandson is already singing the Purdue fight song."

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