Dr. Tom Linehan, former Arts and Humanities distinguished chair and founder of the Arts and Technology (ATEC) program, passed away April 11, 2024, at the age of 80.
Reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Thomas E. Linehan: explore his obituary here.
In Memoriam: Dr. Thomas Linehan
Today, we mourn the passing of Dr. Thomas E. Linehan, a dear friend whose impact will forever be felt in The Bass School and The University of Texas at Dallas as a whole.
A visionary in computer animation, Dr. Linehan’s legacy is one of establishing advanced computing environments in support of industry-relevant education. Throughout his life, he developed several premiere degree programs in media arts technology at Ohio State University, Texas A&M University, and The Ringling School of Art and Design in Florida.
Driven by his expertise and passion for technology and education, he founded the original Arts and Technology and Emerging Communications program, one that evolved into an independent school and ultimately became a pivotal component of the subsequently established Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology.
In 2002, Dr. Linehan became a professor of aesthetic studies at the former UT Dallas School of Arts and Humanities (A&H).
He led the Institute for Interactive Arts and Technology, which the University established upon his transitioning to UT Dallas. This institute connected students from A&H and the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. Its primary aim was to explore the impacts of technology across various disciplines such as arts, computer science, physics, filmmaking, literature, and communications.
In September 2007, Dr. Linehan assumed the Arts and Humanities Distinguished Chair, which highlighted his work as a champion of educational and research activities in the arts and humanities.
Drawing from the programs initiated by Dr. Linehan during his tenure at A&H, the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System approved the establishment of the School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication in February 2015.
Throughout his life, he served as a college president, a corporate vice president, an associate dean, a research laboratory director, a professor, and a public school teacher.
A native of Wisconsin, Linehan received both his Ph.D. and master’s degrees in art education from Ohio State University and his bachelor’s degree in fine art from Webster University in St. Louis.
Sincerely,
Nils Roemer
Dean, Harry W. Bass Jr. School of the Arts, Humanities, and Technology
Arts, Humanities, and Technology Distinguished University Chair
Professor Todd Fechter Reflects on the Legacy of Tom Linehan
Dear All,
Given the recent news of Tom Linehan’s passing I wanted to share a few words about his impact on our school, university, and animation education.
Simply put, none of the former/current ATEC faculty members would be here today if not for Tom Linehan. In the early 2000’s Dennis Kratz, Tom Linehan, and Andy Blanchard hatched a bold idea to blend computer science with the arts, specifically animation & games, that became the ATEC program. Tom immediately drew upon his past program building experiences to begin the development of what he always intended to be his most successful endeavor yet. There are a handful of 3D animation schools considered to be top tier. Tom helped start and develop four of them: Ohio State’s ACCAD program, Texas A&M’s Viz Lab, Ringling, and UTD’s ATEC program. Each of these programs has continued to stay at the top of the animation education world, contributing heavily to both academia and industry.
Tom’s love for animation was surpassed only by his love for those he worked with. He felt a personal responsibility to push people to greatness while supporting them every step of the way. He invested in people, and it was infectious. He could often be found outside of the old ATEC building smoking a cigar, conversing with people as they entered the building. If you were lucky enough to go to lunch with him you quickly saw that everyone in the restaurant knew him by name. Tom always took the time to listen to people and their ideas. Even when he disagreed, he would somehow politely tell you that you were wrong while making you feel good about it.
Tom Linehan was one of a kind. I am incredibly grateful for the time I was able to spend learning from him. I know many others feel the same way. Tom was a titan of the animation education realm, and there will never be another like him. And while this is an incredibly sad moment, Tom will live on. His contributions are all around us.
Sincerely,
Todd Fechter
Senior Associate Dean
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