Our History
The story of the J.B. Speed School of Engineering is deeply entwined with the history of Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It’s the story of American industry, technology, and innovation.
In 1925, Dr. William S. Speed and Mrs. Olive Speed Sackett established an endowment for the J.B. Speed Scientific School in honor of their father, the late James Breckenridge (J.B.) Speed. Funds from the endowment are still used, to this day, to supplement the Speed School’s activities.
Who Was J.B. Speed?
James Breckenridge Speed (1844-1912) was an industrial pioneer in 19th century Louisville, and the scion of an illustrious Kentucky family. He was a major figure in the establishment of Louisville’s street railway system. He developed and operated large coal interests throughout Kentucky, and foresaw the significance of Portland Cement in the future growth of America.
These industries – transportation, energy, and infrastructure – were vital to Louisville’s growth and emergence as a major metropolitan area. They remain vital today, as J.B. Speed’s vision helped shape our city, region, and state. Speed School students carry forth the tradition of forward-thinking, made possible by the Speed family.
Speed Family Contributions
Dr. William S. Speed and Mrs. Olive Speed Sackett contributed generously to our campus facilities, including the James B. Speed Building, Frederic M. Sackett Hall, and William S. Speed Hall. In later years, Mrs. Virginia Speed, wife of Dr. Speed, contributed gifts and financial support prior to her death in 1969.
In 2003, the J.B. Speed Scientific School was officially renamed the J.B. Speed School of Engineering.
Speed School Deans
Emmanuel G. Collins
July 1, 2018 – present
Gail W. DePuy, Interim Dean
July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018
John S. Usher, Acting Dean
2015 – June 30, 2017
Neville G. Pinto
2011 – 2015
Mickey Wilhelm
2004 – 2011
Thomas R. Hanley
1991-2003
Leo B. Jenkins Jr., Acting Dean
1990‑1991
Earl R. Gerhard
1980‑1990
Harry C. Saxe
1969‑1980
Robert C. Ernst
1947‑1969
Ford L. Wilkinson
1938‑1947
Bennett M. Brigman
1925‑1938