William A. Chittenden II

William A. Chittenden II
William A. Chittenden II

For his pioneering impact in the technical development of nuclear power and his advocacy for professional development in power engineering.

William A. Chittenden II devoted his career to power engineering. Throughout his career, he was an avid supporter of continuing education for engineering professionals. 

At Sargent & Lundy he served in many roles, including mechanical engineer, project manager, project director, manager of the mechanical department, director of engineering, and director of services prior to his election as a senior partner and CEO. 

During his career, he was at the forefront of nuclear engineering exploration and served in roles ranging from its development as an experimental engineering challenge to its large-scale commercial application. 

In addition, he was intimately involved in six innovative nuclear station projects, and served as the project director for eight large, coal-fired generating units with a total installed capacity of 4000 megawatts. These projects included state-of-the-art concepts, such as supercritical cycle, low sulfur coal combustion, and advanced control systems. 

He was licensed to practice as a registered professional engineer in 21 states. 

Chittenden retired from Sargent & Lundy in 1991. He played a key role in organizing conferences for clients and university engineering faculty to help disseminate information to engineers for use in their careers. He is actively involved with Engineering at Illinois and was a charter member of the Dean’s Board of Visitors. 

He was elected into the National Academy of Engineering in 1987, where he was recognized for both his engineering and professional development accomplishments. Chittenden is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Nuclear Society. He has served on three boards within Engineering at Illinois – the Nuclear Engineering Advisory Board, the Industrial Advisory Board, and the Dean’s Board of Visitors. 

Bill and his wife Carol are Illinois graduates and have generously supported the University over the years. They have established endowed fellowships, scholarships, and are generous supporters to the College of Applied Health Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Degrees

  • BS, 1950, General Engineering