Dr. Alan Lair, professor and head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics,
officially retired from the Graduate School of Engineering and Management in September. (U.S. Air Force photo)
After four decades of exemplary teaching and steadfast leadership at The Air Force Institute of Technology, Dr. Alan Lair, professor and head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, officially retired from the Graduate School of Engineering and Management in September. Lair has been a pillar of the Graduate School academic community since 1982.
When he joined the AFIT faculty, Lair served as assistant professor of mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. As the Graduate School continued to expand, the computer science faculty moved under the umbrella of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The remaining department faculty were organized into the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
In June of 1993, Lair was promoted to head of the department and has served just over 33 years in that role. Lair was responsible for managing faculty, ensuring academic programs offered up-to-date mathematics and statistics courses, and producing world-class research, resulting in publication in professional journals.
During a recent interview reflecting on his time at AFIT, Lair recalled that his proudest achievement was hiring excellent faculty. “I am especially proud of having overseen the advertising, interviewing, and hiring of exceptional civilian faculty. Each hire was a long process, and in each case, we got outstanding people,” Lair said.
“Our military faculty are exceptional too, but that process is very different from civilian hiring where we enter the job market, competing with every major university in the U.S., and yet we were able to hire our top prospects.”
Lair also has had the pleasure of watching former students transition into peers, most of them having been in the Graduate School military faculty pipeline, and upon graduation joined the AFIT faculty.
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Lair for many years, first as a student and later as a faculty member. He was a beacon of consistency and support as the leader of the mathematics and statistics department. He placed unwavering trust in his people and fostered a positive environment that allowed faculty to focus on teaching and research. I will always be grateful for his kindness, mentorship, and support throughout the various stages of my academic career,” said Capt. Jeremy Lane, AFIT assistant professor of mathematics.
The impact of Lair’s career stretches beyond the classroom through mentoring he has provided fellow faculty members over the years.
“Dr. Alan Lair has been one of the best bosses I’ve ever had. He harbored an environment that allowed me to thrive,” said Dr. Tony White, AFIT professor of mathematics and newly-appointed head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
A LEGACY OF IMPACT
“Dr. Lair has been a bedrock of leadership and excellence at AFIT. His dedication to the mission and to inspiring faculty, staff, and students ensured our Air and Space Force, sister service, and international partner graduates were ready to meet our nation’s and our partner nations’ challenges head-on. His thoughtful planning has prepared the Department of Mathematics and Statistics to continue its legacy of greatness,” said Col. Shawn Willis, Graduate School of Engineering and Management associate dean.
Lair leaves a legacy of inspiring incoming students each fall and offering steadfast support to his colleagues. AFIT’s Graduate School extends its congratulations and appreciation for over 40 years of service. Lair’s professional title will be converted to AFIT Graduate School of Engineering and Management Professor Emeritus of Mathematics upon retirement.
ABOUT AFIT
AFIT’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management (GSEM) provides in-residence and distance learning graduate degrees and certificates in engineering, applied science, mathematics and management. GSEM provides its students with several significant advantages: a more personalized educational experience, academic programs with a defense-related focus, and research on high-priority defense problems.
AFIT is located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. AFIT’s mission is to educate defense professionals to innovatively accomplish the deterrence and warfighting missions of the USAF and USSF. AFIT’s vision is to lead defense-focused education, research and consultation to accelerate military superiority across all domains and is accomplished through operationally relevant advanced academic education, research, and professional continuing education. For more information, please visit the AFIT webpage https://www.AFIT.edu/.
