The Department of Computer Science remembers its former chair, Emeritus Professor Donald Epley, who passed away this November 15th.
Although not an alumnus, Epley was affiliated with the University of Iowa for most of his life. After a few years teaching at Stanford University, he joined UIowa’s Department of Electrical Engineering (EE) and had a joint appointment with the department of computer science.
Epley’s research coming out of graduate study was oriented toward mathematics. Early in his career he worked on queueing theory, designing the ways a single computer could have multiple users simultaneously even though the computer works on only one fragment of the inputs at a time.
“Don was one of the very first people I met when I moved to Iowa in 1994, and he was delightful: smart, unassuming and having a healthy sense of humor. I always enjoyed my interactions with Don."
Alberto Segre, Professor and Chair, Department of Computer Science
With the expansion of computer technologies and capacities, Epley increasingly focused on software and eventually left the College of Engineering to work full-time in the computer science department. From 1973 to 1978, he chaired the department, initiating the creation of its undergraduate program.
“I have fond memories of Donald Epley. He was the senior systems person in the department when I joined the faculty, and he was always interesting to talk to. He was a warm and caring person and had a deep influence on huge numbers of students.”
Douglas Jones, Associate Professor Emeritus
Over the years, he taught hundreds upon hundreds of undergraduates and directed numerous doctoral students. Epley last taught for CS in the summer of 1999.