About Donnell W. Dutton

In memory of Donnell W. Dutton

BSME 1935, MSM
MSAE 1940, Georgia School of Technology
Professional ME 1959, MSM
OGS Member

At MSM, Donnell's scholastic achievements gained him membership in Tau Beta Pi and Phi Kappa Phi. Donnell then began working for Allis Chalmers Manufacturing Company and the Monocoupe Aircraft Corporation. In 1938 he enrolled in the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aeronautics, Georgia School of Technology, and earned his Master's in Aeronautical Engineering in 1940. He served briefly as a stress analyst with the Curtiss Wright Corporation in St. Louis. But in December 1940, he returned to Georgia Tech as an Assistant Professor in the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aeronautics and Faculty Association, State Engineering Experiment Station. In July 1943, he advanced to a full professorship and, until 1963, served as Director of the School of Aeronautics and Head of the Aeronautical Projects of the State Engineering Experiment Station. In 1946, he was granted a leave of absence for one year to become a Scientific Advisor with the Research and Development Division of the War Department's General Staff. After serving as a consultant to the War Department, specifically on helicopters, he returned to Georgia Technology Institute and, in 1978, retired as Professor Emeritus after a long distinguished career. He was an Associate Fellow of the Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences; Registered Engineer, State of Georgia; member of the Society for Promotion of Engineering Education; member of the American Society for Engineering Education and President of the Southeastern Section, 1955-56, and Chairman of the Aviation Division, 1947-48; member of the American Helicopter Association and a member of the Georgia Engineering Society. His work and accomplishments have been listed in "Who's Who in Engineering," "American Men of Science," and "Who's Who in Education." Donnell and Ruth (Muilenburg), formerly of Rolla, have three children; Robert Wayne, Diana Louise, and Susan Gay. Donnell passed away in June 2002. He will be fondly remembered for his dedication and commitment to education and his vast contributions to engineering and scientific advancement.