Magpili awarded Wendell J. Satre Distinguished Professorship

Luna Magpili, an associate professor and director of Washington State University's Engineering and Technology Management (ETM) department, has been appointed to the Wendell J. Satre Distinguished Professorship in Engineering and Technology Management.

The professorship, established in 1997, was created to support research and training programs in engineering and technology management. Magpili's appointment, which was approved by Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture Interim Dean Partha Pande, recognizes her contributions to the field and leadership within the ETM department.

Magpili has been a faculty member for over a decade. Prior to her academic career, she worked as an industrial engineer and consultant, focusing on improving productivity for manufacturing and export companies in the Philippines. She also played a key role in managing global infrastructure projects for International Relief and Development.

"I am deeply honored to accept the Wendell Satre professorship," said Magpili. "I will do my best to embody the ideals that this award represents."

With the support of the endowment, Magpili aims to advance knowledge of engineering and technology management programs, enhance outreach to minority and international prospects, and improve the sustainability of ETM's curriculum and operations.

Wendell J. Satre received his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Idaho and began his career at The Washington Water Power Company, now Avista Corp., in Spokane, Wash. Except for his time in military service during World War II, he spent the next 46 years with the company, rising to the positions of CEO and chairman of the board before retiring in 1985. A longtime advocate for higher education, Satre believed education can help solve many of the world's problems. He supported engineering education but also wished he had had more education in management, so he was happy to provide support for the establishment of the professorship. He died in 2010.