Tom Jackson: The Consummate Teacher

Thomas E. Jackson, or Tom as everyone called him, was a fixture of the Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics Department (MEM) at Lehigh University for forty-one years, from his appointment as a faculty member in 1937 until his retirement in 1978.  A consummate teacher of thermodynamics and internal combustion engines, Tom personified the excellence and caring that typifies a Lehigh Professor of Engineering. As Dan Everett, a past student of Tom’s, says: “Tom was a man who lived by the rules, led by example, and considered everyone his friend.” His teaching reflected not only technical proficiency, but the insight of experience, frequently mesmerizing his classes with stories illustrating how the basic principles he was presenting were embodied in the design and applications of internal combustion engines.

 Tom knew who the good students were, and sent many of the best off to successful careers in the automotive industry. Dan Everett points out that when Lehigh alumnus Lee Iaccoca sought talented engineers for Chrysler, he would always call Tom to solicit the names of the best MEM students.

While a stern task master in the classroom,  Tom was always ready and eager to work with students outside of class, whether clarifying concepts during office hours, supervising independent student projects, or acting as faculty advisor to Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. As Tom saw his role, if a student wanted to discuss engines, cars, engineering, or life---he was there to listen and advise. Pete Ellis, a ’68 MEM graduate said: 

“I took thermodynamics from Tom-several times. I wasn’t a particularly good student, but Tom worked long and hard to get me through the course. But beyond being my professor in thermodynamics, Tom was my friend. My times with Tom helped me get through some particularly difficult moments in my life, and I will always be indebted to him.”

In addition to his other duties during his time at Lehigh, Tom was responsible for the hands-on aspects of the automotive and laboratory facilities in MEM. From the time of his appointment in 1937, Tom became the overseer and curator of the 1899 Packard (the first Packard automobile produced) which was donated by James Ward Packard, the benefactor of Packard Laboratory where the department of MEM is housed. This oversight of the Packard car, which is still on display in the foyer of Packard Laboratory, was a labor of love for Tom.  He took his role as curator of the Packard very seriously, keeping the aging vehicle in excellent operating condition for the forty-seven years it was under his watch. A highlight of his curation activities occurred in 1975 when the antique Packard was transported to Warren, Ohio for the 75th anniversary of the Packard Motor Car company. And the car, with Tom aboard in period dress, was star of the party.

Tom’s laboratory responsibilities included coordination and improvement of all the MEM laboratory facilities, as well as oversight of the MEM machine shop. As coordinator of laboratory facilities, one of Tom’s last efforts before retirement was the planning and development of a new (at the time) Engines Testing Laboratory in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics. Another labor of love, Tom spent a great deal of time acquiring the appropriate equipment and overseeing the development of the laboratory, which was completed in 1978, just before Tom formally retired. However, even after retirement Tom stayed on as an adjunct emeritus professor for six more years to enjoy the fruits of the new laboratory.

In addition to his university work, Tom kept busy outside of Lehigh. He was a 50-year member of ASME, serving the Anthracite-Lehigh Section of ASME in many capacities, including Section Chair. He was also honored by the section as Engineer of the Year in 1972. And for several decades, Tom served on the Lehigh Valley Airport Authority, providing instrumental leadership in developing a new airport facility for the Lehigh Valley.

When he finally left Lehigh in 1984, Tom still would drop in on a regular basis to keep in touch with the laboratory, the department, the university, and of course the Packard. Tom’s death in June of 1998 left behind an impressive legacy of teaching excellence, warm student interactions, laboratory development, and professional and public service.

 In recognition of Tom Jackson’s life-long commitment to the education of Lehigh students in the fine art and science of internal combustion engines, Lehigh is pursuing a much needed renovation and upgrade of the Department of MEM Engines Testing Laboratory, which will be designated the Thomas E. Jackson Motive Power Testing Facility.

For information on the proposed renovations and possible participation in the memorial project, please contact:

Professor Charles R. Smith, Chair
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
19 Memorial Drive West
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-758-5532