The Grainger College of Engineering
Siebel School of Computing and Data Science

George and Ann Fisher Distinguished Professorship in Engineering

George M. C. Fisher
George M. C. Fisher

Dr. George M. C. Fisher, a native of Anna, Illinois, earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1962. After earning master’s and doctoral degrees from Brown University, he began his career at AT&T Bell Laboratories. Later he joined Motorola, Inc., eventually becoming the company’s chairman and chief executive officer. He served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Eastman Kodak Company from 1993 to 1999.

Fisher is active in civic, educational, and community affairs and has served on the University of Illinois Foundation’s Board of Directors since 1987. He was national co-chair of Campaign Illinois. He has been a force in national business affairs, serving as chairman of the U.S. Council on Competitiveness from 1991 to 1993 and has also been active in international trade issues. 

Dr. Fisher is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, recognized for “leadership in electronic communications and for guiding a company to a preeminent position in wireless communications worldwide,” and he is Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Fisher was inducted into the College of Engineering’s Hall of Fame at the University of Illinois in 2010. In 1996, he was recognized by the University with an honorary degree.

Ann Wallace Fisher received a bachelor of arts degree from Chapman College in 1964 and, with her husband, is a supporter of the University of Illinois. Together they have pledged $2 million to the College of Engineering to fund two George and Ann Fisher Distinguished Professorships and two Ralph M. and Catherine V. Fisher Professorships, the latter in honor of Dr. Fisher’s parents.

Recipients