William Charles Mccarthy

Professor William C. McCarthy, Ph.D., PE, or "Bill" to all who knew him, passed away on July 28th, 2009. The son of James and Elizabeth McCarthy, he was born on January 26th, 1949 in Sidney, Nebraska. Bill is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sharon, and stepson, Seth, as well as two sisters, Donna Palmer, and Trish Griffin; nieces Kathy and Lori Palmer; nephew Rick Palmer; nephew David Griffin and niece Debbie Biffar. Bill is with our heavenly Father where he is celebrating with his mother and father the grace present in all that is good. His many friends and colleagues from across the nation will all miss him dearly. As professor of civil engineering at the New Mexico State University College of Engineering, Bill enjoyed a career replete with technical papers, teaching awards and multiple accolades. Among his numerous achievements were the Frank Bromilow award, the Dennis Darnall Faculty Achievement award and the Chi Epsilon James M. Robbins Award. As a faculty member, attaining full professorship in 1995, he served as associate dean of engineering, interim dean of engineering and NMSU interim associate provost overseeing student success and academic programs. He was always an advocate for student success and adulated by his students for his ability to communicate in an easily understandable way, complicated engineering concepts and ideas. But first and foremost, he advocated passionately for students and persons with disabilities. One of his major goals was to promote the inclusion of all persons with disabilities in science and engineering careers. His dream was realized through programs that he devised and directed while continuing to teach and carry on other administrative duties. The dream became real with the first demonstration program of its kind administered from any college of engineering