In memoriam: Professor Emeritus Jerry L. Sanders

Dr. Jerry Sanders, a respected professor emeritus in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, passed away on December 19, 2024, at the age of 89.

Born in Hamilton, Montana, Dr. Sanders completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Montana State University before earning a PhD in Operations Research from Case Western Reserve University. His academic journey was marked by a deep commitment to the field of operations research, which he later applied to both teaching and research.

Dr. Sanders began his academic career at the University of Arizona in Tucson before moving to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he spent the remainder of his nearly 40-year tenure. At UW-Madison, he held full professorships in both the Department of Preventive Medicine and the Department of Industrial Engineering, which was later renamed the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Throughout his time at UW-Madison, Dr. Sanders was a pivotal figure in shaping the department’s growth and influence. As a faculty member, he was known for his dedication to teaching, mentoring, and leadership. His research focused on applying the principles of operations research to real-world challenges, with a particular emphasis on automatic assembly and production systems. His hands-on teaching approach, which often involved direct engagement with manufacturing and assembly systems, left a lasting impact on generations of students.

Dr. Sanders also played an essential role in mentoring junior faculty members. Current faculty member Professor Raj Veeramani credits Jerry’s warmth and hospitality as factors that led to his decision to join the department early in his own career. Indeed, Sanders would become an invaluable mentor to the young academic. “His thoughtful guidance played a pivotal role in shaping my professional career,” said Veeramani.

In addition to his teaching and mentoring, Dr. Sanders was a key figure in the early development of the Department of Industrial Engineering at UW-Madison. His leadership was recognized with his election to the role of department chair, a position in which he continued to influence the department’s direction and success.

Dr. Sanders’ contributions to both the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the broader academic community in industrial engineering are widely acknowledged. His research and leadership helped establish the UW-Madison Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering as a leader in the field, respected by peers across the academic world.

Dr. Sanders will be remembered not only for his academic achievements but also for his generosity in sharing knowledge and fostering the careers of others. His legacy lives on in the students and colleagues he mentored, the research he advanced, and the department he helped build.