A UQ legend welcomes retirement after 67 years

After a record-breaking 67 years of studying and teaching at The University of Queensland, Emeritus Professor Edward White from the School of Chemical Engineering is about to hang up his academic gown.

Professor White, better known as Ted, arrived at St Lucia as an undergraduate student in 1951.

He graduated with First Class honours four years later.

Apart from a short stint overseas to collect his doctorate, Ted has been a huge part of the UQ community ever since.

“I’ve never had a reason to leave,” he said.

He taught for more than 40 years as a lecturer, senior lecturer, reader and, finally, a professor with a personal chair in the School of Chemical Engineering.

After wrapping up his teaching career, Ted continued to supervise PhD students and consult to industry for a further 20 years as Emeritus Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering.

He said chemical engineering at UQ was one of his greatest loves.

He co-edited the book 100 years of Chemical Engineering at UQ to mark the school’s centenary, earlier this year.

“It’s been wonderful to work with thousands of students and help guide them on their chemical engineering journey, wherever it may take them,” he said.

During almost seven decades at UQ, Ted developed the study of sugar crystallisation and authored about 260 journal articles.

He holds two patents, both focusing on improving centrifuge performances.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj said Ted’s contribution to the university and the School of Chemical Engineering had been outstanding.

“We are sad to see him leave, but we are extremely grateful for his continuous support and contribution to UQ,” he said.

After a life-long career at UQ, Ted said he was ready for a real retirement.

“I’m ready to pick up some more grandfather duties and spend more time with family,” he said.

“I’ll probably do some more gardening too.”

The School of Chemical Engineering will farewell Emeritus Professor Ted White at its 2018 Friends of Chemical Engineering Thank You evening on 26 October.

To register your interest to farewell Ted, email alumni@eait.uq.edu.au   

Media: EAIT Communications, Paige Ashby, p.ashby@uq.edu.au, 0430 511 615