Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) has named Professor Quinn Qiao as the William T. Frantz Endowed Chair, pairing the honor with his recent appointment as chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

The William T. Frantz Endowed Chair in Engineering and Computer Science was established through a gift from Frantz, a 1980 ECS alumnus and parent of a 2013 graduate. Frantz described the idea as one that had been “simmering for nearly 20 years” before he made the gift, which the University partially matched through its Forever Orange Faculty Excellence Program.

Frantz has a track record of studying and backing promising companies and concepts, said the timing of the gift – made as part of the broader Forever Orange Campaign – lined up with a pivotal moment for the region. He pointed specifically to Micron Technology’s $100 billion commitment to Central New York as a reason the investment made sense now, noting the partnership opportunities that creates between the tech giant and the University for students, faculty and the wider community.

“Congratulations to Professor Quinn Qiao on being named to the William T. Frantz endowed chair,” said Frantz. “I look forward to seeing the research, ideas, and leadership that the chair will allow Prof. Qiao to pursue in the College of Engineering.”

“Ted’s gift supports where the future of engineering is heading and investing in Quinn’s ability to build partnerships across industry and academia make him an ideal choice for this role,” said Julie Hasenwinkel, interim dean for Engineering and Computer Science.

“I am deeply honored to be named the William T. Frantz Endowed Chair. I am grateful to Mr. Frantz for his vision and generous support of our department and college. This recognition inspires me to strengthen partnerships between industry and academia, expand opportunities for our undergraduate and graduate students, and advance innovative research that addresses critical technological challenges. Through this endowment, we will continue building excellence in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering while preparing the next generation of engineering leaders.” said Qiao.