L. David Black '59 is the recipient of the 2021 Wm. Michael Barnes ’64 Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Distinguished Former Students Award for his significant success and contributions in management, manufacturing, marketing and sales industries throughout his 41-year career.
In 1990, Black was recruited as president and chief operating officer for JLG Industries, Inc., the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of access equipment, headquartered in McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania. He retired in 2001 as chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer.
Black established the Marilyn and L. David Black Faculty Fellows in Industrial and Systems Engineering, a fund to support one or more faculty fellows in the department. This fund also helps support the teaching, research, service and professional development of the recipient.
Black grew up in Morgan’s Point, Texas, and graduated from La Porte High School where he met his wife of 61 years, Marilyn.
He graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in industrial and systems engineering. He received his graduate degree from the University of Houston.
Dr. Lewis Ntaimo, department head of the industrial and systems engineering department, was a recipient of the Marilyn and L. David Black Faculty Fellow Award in 2017-18.
“I am grateful for the Marilyn and L. David Black Faculty Fellow Award. It helped me fund my research travels during those years,” Ntaimo said. “John Bernheim, our senior director of development, and I had the pleasure of meeting both Marilyn and David at their house in San Antonio back in February of this year. I can tell you that they are among the most humble and generous people I have met, not to mention David’s sense of humor!”
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes graduates who distinguish themselves by achieving significant accomplishments in their careers and who possess the highest standards of integrity and character that enhance the reputation of the department.
To be eligible for this award, all nominees must possess an undergraduate or graduate degree from the Wm. Michael Barnes ’64 Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Early career alumni nominees must be less than 15 years from the receipt of their last degree from the department.
“I can attest to you that given his significant achievements and generosity to our department, Mr. Black deserves the honor of being awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award,” Ntaimo said.