The Grainger College of Engineering

Hershel Sams

Hershel Sams
Hershel Sams
To Hershel Sams for leadership in the development of engineering technologies for advanced aircraft and in the fostering of engineering education.

Vice President, Engineering Technology Division, McDonnell Aircraft Company, St. Louis, Missouri

  • BS, Aeronautical Engineering, 1959

Hershel Sams joined the McDonnell Aircraft Company in 1962. Increasingly challenging assignments culminated in his promotion, in 1984, to his present position as vice president for engineering technology. His career has focused on aeromechanical and structural technologies for advanced aircraft, such as the F-15 and the National Aerospace plane. Leading a team of approximately 1000 engineers, he provides leadership in the development and application of aeromechanical, structural, and operational analysis technologies for all aircraft activities at McDonnell Aircraft.

Sams has made significant contributions in strengthening the relationship between industry and the academic community and in fostering the development of young engineers. He serves on the advisory board at Washington University. Sams introduced the UIUC College of Engineering Electronic Blackboard programs at McDonnell and helped establish the National Center for Composite Materials Research at UIUC. He serves on the Aeronautical Policy Review Committee of the White House Office of Science and Technology and has served on advisory committees at NASA and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Current as of 1988.