M.A. Durland

M.A. Durland enrolled at K-State in 1914 in electrical engineering, earning a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees. He was number one in his 1918 graduating class, graduating with honors. World War I was in progress and he was whisked off to France with the Army Corps of Engineers. After a year of service, he returned to campus for advice on where to look for employment. He began teaching drawing in Professor Seaton’s machine design department and was gradually promoted up the ranks. In 1923, as an assistant professor, he was asked to move into the dean’s office half-time to take charge of student personnel work for Dean Seaton. He continued that facet of his career until becoming dean in 1949.

From 1949-61, Durland was dean and also director of the Engineering Experiment Station. He retired as dean but returned to the faculty as a professor until his retirement in 1967. Known to many as “Cotton,” Durland picked up that name as a student because of his white hair. During his tenure as dean, two major additions were made to Seaton Hall and two new departments, nuclear and industrial engineering, were added.

Durland established the College of Engineering Advisory Council composed of Midwestern leaders in engineering, education and industry to review and advise on instruction, research and new programs at K-State. He continued to serve on the advisory council even after his retirement.