Kenneth Kline, longstanding chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Wayne State University, has announced his retirement after 38 years on the faculty. Kline, 64, is widely credited for bringing aboard a cadre of talented faculty members and enhancing the department's stature over the 18 years he has served as chair.

"Under his leadership, the Mechanical Engineering Department has become one of the most outstanding programs in the nation," said Ralph Kummler, interim dean of Engineering, speaking at a tribute reception for Kline April 27 at McGregor Memorial Conference Center. "He has been a most inspirational leader for his department."

Kline, attended the University of Minnesota where he earned his bachelor's in 1961 and Ph.D. in 1965. He joined the Engineering faculty the following year, accepting an offer from his former Ph.D. advisor, Carl DeSilva, who had become the ME chair at Wayne State. Kline was one of the bright young stars on the ME faculty. In 1986, Kline was asked to become interim ME department Chair.

He agreed to take the job until a permanent chair was hired. But the job grew on him, especially his activities in hiring new faculty to fit his vision for a strong department, and he accepted the permanent position in 1987. "I've been a fortunate person in my career" said Kline. "Not one single day have I had any forebodings about going to work. It's been a wonderful experience. I shall be proud of it throughout my life."

Ronald Gibson, a Mechanical Engineering professor and University of Minnesota grad hired by Kline in 1988, addressed the guests gathered for the McGregor tribute. "If you look around this room, most of the faces you see are people hired by Ken," he said. "It's going to be hard to continue without him."

Naeim Henein, professor of Mechanical Engineering, who joined the faculty 34 years ago, worked with Kline beginning with the early years before the present College building when faculty offices were scattered about campus. "I credit Ken for the success of every faculty member in the department," he said.

Kline will continue as chair until his last official day, which will be in August. Afterwards, he and his wife, Nancy, plan to move to Charlevoix, Michigan, where he will pursue his hobby of tree farming 90 acres of family woodland near Boyne Mountain.