Emerson, David

David W. Emerson was born in Littleton, Massachusetts. His father, a mining engineer, moved the family to Mexico twice, once when he was one year old and again when he was seven. In 1938, his father retired to work on his apple orchard in

Littleton. Emerson helped with pruning, spraying and dusting for insects, and hauling apples to the cider mill.

Dave Emerson graduated from high school in Littleton in 1945 and joined the army. Because he was only 17, the army sent him to Norwich University in Vermont until he turned 18. He then went on active duty until December, 1947. After he mustered out, Dartmouth College accepted his credits and he completed courses through his junior year. He was then called back to active duty in the Korean conflict, and was assigned to the Army Chemical Center in Maryland. After his army stint, Emerson worked for Dow Chemical as a research engineer, and then returned to Michigan to pursue a Master's degree. He met and married his wife during this time.

After completing his doctorate, Emerson went to work for Shell Oil Company. He spent six years with Shell and decided to turn to teaching. He took a job at a branch of the University of Michigan. He worked there 17 years, doing research, teaching, and even spending a little time as chairman of the Division of Art, Sciences, and Letters. He was then notified of an opening at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for dean of the College of Science, Math, and Engineering.

In 1981, Emerson and his wife moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, and he began teaching chemistry classes. He was instrumental in building up the engineering department through distance education for students who needed credits in math, computer skills, or electrical engineering. He also helped put together and sell the idea of a strong engineering school at UNLV, and then worked to gain accreditation for civil, mechanical, electrical and other areas of engineering.

After retiring in 1998, Emerson worked on the self-study for the year 2000 accreditation.