In February 2017, electrical and computer engineering alumnus Mike Splinter (BS ’72, MS ’74) was among the 84 new members and 22 foreign members elected to the National Academy of Engineering.
Election to the NAE is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer. The academy recognized Splinter’s leadership in advancing semiconductor manufacturing, quality and equipment.
Splinter retired in 2015 as chairman and CEO of Applied Materials and currently is co-founder and general partner of in Los Altos, California-based WISC Partners, which provides strategic operating capital to promising Wisconsin entrepreneurs.
He is known as an innovator in electronics technology, but also in photovoltaic cells and solar solutions to reduce fossil fuel use. In fact, the Semiconductor Industry Association credits Splinter with transforming photovoltaic cell production from a “boutique” industry into a meaningful source of renewable energy.
As leader of Applied Materials, Splinter also infused community service opportunities throughout the company and in his personal activities. This commitment to community service includes supporting food banks, launching a program to invest in local schools, and working with the Clinton Global Initiative to bring electricity to villages in rural India.
Before joining Applied Materials as CEO in 2003, Splinter worked for 20 years at Intel Corp., during which time the company became a leader in microchip technology. He previously held positions at the Rockwell International electronics research center.
Splinter serves on several influential industry boards, including the U.S.-India CEO Forum and Technology CEO Council; and the NASDAQ QMX Group, SEMI, Pica 8 Inc., and University of Wisconsin Foundation boards.