In Memoriam: Arthur E. Humphrey
Former Professor in Chemical Engineering and Inaugural Dean of Penn Engineering
The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering mourns the passing of Arthur E. Humphrey, former Professor in Chemical Engineering, Department Chair, and the inaugural Dean of Penn Engineering, who passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at the age of 98.
Dr. Humphrey was a pioneering figure in biochemical engineering and a transformative leader in higher education. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Idaho in 1948 and 1950, respectively, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University in 1953. He later earned a master’s degree in food technology from MIT. His distinguished academic career began at the University of Pennsylvania, where he taught biochemical engineering, served as Chair of the Chemical Engineering department for 10 years, and later became the first Dean of what is now Penn Engineering.
When Penn’s four engineering schools were unified in 1972, Dr. Humphrey was appointed the inaugural Dean of Engineering and Applied Science. At a pivotal moment in Penn Engineering’s history, he brought a bold vision for the future of engineering education, championing interdisciplinary learning, expanding research support, strengthening graduate education, and recognizing early the importance of global engagement and experiential learning. His leadership helped establish the foundation for the School’s continued growth and national prominence.
An internationally recognized scholar, Dr. Humphrey made lasting contributions to biochemical engineering, food production and environmental systems. Over the course of his career, he authored more than 250 technical papers, co-authored influential books in biochemical engineering and advised 27 Ph.D. students. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1973 for his contributions as a researcher, author and teacher, and later served as President of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) from 1990-1991. On AIChE’s 100th anniversary, he was named one of the 100 most distinguished chemical engineers of the modern era.
Following his years at Penn, Dr. Humphrey served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lehigh University, where he also chaired its Biotechnology Institute and held the title of Diamond Professor of Biochemical Engineering. He later continued his academic service at Penn State. Across institutions and disciplines, he remained deeply committed to advancing engineering research, education and public impact.
Dr. Humphrey’s legacy at Penn endures in the structure of our programs, the reach of our research and the breadth of our ambitions. He is remembered not only for his scholarly achievements and visionary leadership, but also for the generations of students, colleagues and researchers he mentored over the course of a remarkable career.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, former students and all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, and for those wishing to honor his legacy, Dr. Humphrey’s family requests that you consider supporting the continued excellence in research and teaching that he championed throughout his career, through gifts directed to the Arthur E. Humphrey Professorship in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering.
