OSU's Heragu inducted into Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society Hall of Fame
Monday, August 4, 2025
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Dr. Sunderesh Heragu, regents professor in the School of Industrial Engineering and Management at Oklahoma State University, has been inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society Hall of Fame, one of the state’s highest honors in academia.
Currently holding the prestigious John Hendrix Chair, Heragu has played a transformative role in elevating OSU’s IEM program to national prominence. His leadership has also contributed significantly to the advancement of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, positioning the college as a hub for innovation, research and student success.
“This is an honor I will cherish forever,” Heragu said. “Since arriving in Oklahoma 12 years ago, I have met a diverse group of people who have partnered with me in promoting interest in engineering among Oklahoma youth, leading to engineering education and research in Oklahoma’s land-grant university.”
Heragu’s academic journey began with a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Mysore, followed by an MBA from the University of Saskatchewan and a Ph.D. from the University of Manitoba. His academic career has included faculty appointments at the University of Louisville, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the State University of New York-Plattsburgh, as well as visiting roles at institutions such as SUNY-Buffalo, the Technical University of Eindhoven, University of Twente, and IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center.
A world-renowned expert in facility layout and logistics, Heragu is the author of Facilities Design, which is now in its fifth edition and is used by universities globally. He has written or co-authored over 250 articles and led research projects totaling more than $27 million in funding from federal agencies and private sector partners.
His accolades reflect a career of excellence. A fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), and the World Academy of Productivity Sciences (WAPS), Heragu is the only person in IISE’s 77-year history to receive the organization’s top honors in education, research, and service. His awards include the Reed-Apple Lifetime Achievement Award, the David F. Baker Distinguished Research Award, the Albert G. Holzman Distinguished Educator Award, and several best paper and innovation accolades.
Currently serving as president of IISE, Heragu is also a former ABET commissioner and a frequent keynote speaker at national and international forums. At OSU, he is the visionary behind the Cowboy Academy of Industrial Engineering and Management, an elite alumni organization comprised of top industry and academic leaders.
The Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society, founded in 1991, annually honors individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing higher education across the state. Heragu now joins a distinguished group of more than 200 educators, scholars, and leaders who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
For more about the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame, visit the website.