Thomas Landers, former dean of OU Gallogly College of Engineering died at 75 Tuesday after a six-year battle with dementia.
Landers earned his bachelor’s degree in science from Texas Tech University in 1972. He served in the U.S. Air Force as second lieutenant, according to Landers’ obituary. In 1985, Landers earned his doctorate in industrial engineering from Texas Tech.
Landers arrived at OU in 1998 to become a professor of industrial engineering at the College of Engineering.
Landers served as dean for 14 years before he stepped down in 2019 and was awarded the title of dean emeritus.
During his time as dean, Landers helped facilitate growth for the college, including the founding of the Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, Devon Energy Hall, Gallogly Hall and the ExxonMobil Lawrence G. Rawl Engineering Practice Facility, according to an Instagram post.
College of Engineering Dean John Klier wrote in a press release announcing Landers’ death that his vision and leadership shaped the future of engineering at OU.
“Beyond the facilities and programs he helped bring to life, his greatest legacy is the community he fostered — his care for students, faculty, staff, and alumni continues to inspire us today,” Klier said in the release.
Memorial gifts can be made to the Felgar Society in the College of Engineering or through the Tom L. Landers Memorial Scholarship to support engineering students.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Patti Landers; sons, Andrew, David and Stephen; and his four grandchildren, Amara, Coen, Evan and Nora.
This story was edited by Ana Barboza, Thomas Pablo and Natalie Armour. Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
