Jerry Bayless of Rolla, Mo., associate dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla and a 45-year member of the UMR faculty, was awarded the University of Missouri-Rolla Chancellor Medal during UMR’s commencement ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 18.

The Chancellor Medal is given to individuals who have contributed to the well-being, growth and development of UMR.

Bayless, who is originally from Cuba, Mo., received bachelor of science and master of science degrees in civil engineering from UMR in 1959 and 1962, respectively.

A member of the UMR faculty since 1959, Bayless served as assistant to the chair of the civil engineering department for many years and as freshman advisor and transfer student advisor. In 1986, he was promoted to assistant dean of engineering and was named associate dean in 1990. During his UMR career, he has held summer positions with the Missouri Highway Department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Bayless is treasurer of the MSM-UMR Alumni Association and is a recipient of the Alumni Merit Award. In 1999 he was named an Honorary Knight of St. Patrick. He is secretary-treasurer of the UMR Academy of Civil Engineers, and is a member of the Society of Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi, Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Theta Kappa, and is an honor member of Chi Epsilon and Blue Key. A member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, Bayless has served as the group’s academic advisor. He also is academic advisor to the UMR Student Council.

Bayless is a charter member and past president of the Rolla Optimist Club. He has served as president of the Rolla Park Board and the Rolla Khoury League and is a member of the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce.

Bayless is a member of the American Society for Engineering Education, American Society of Civil Engineers, and the National and Missouri societies of Professional Engineers. He was president of the mid-Missouri section of ASCE. He has been an MSPE Young Engineer of the Year at local and state levels.

Bayless and his wife, Shirley, live in Rolla. They have two children, David, who received a degree in mechanical engineering from UMR in 1987, and Jennifer, who received a degree in psychology from UMR in 1989.

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