Sam Hulbert

Dr. Samuel F. Hulbert is recognized as a leader in Ceramics Science and Biomaterials. He is well known for his pioneering biomaterial work in artificial knees, hips and dental prostheses. He is a former president of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, which gained national prominence during his tenure.

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Education

Hulbert earned a B.S. in Ceramic Engineering and a Ph.D. in Ceramic Science in 1958 and 1964, respectively, from Alfred University.

Career

Hulbert joined the faculty of Clemson University in 1964, eventually becoming the Associate Dean for Engineering Research and Interdisciplinary Studies in 1970. In 1973 he joined Tulane University as the Dean of Engineering. While at Tulane, Hulbert helped create their biomedical engineering program.

Just three years later, Hulbert was offered the Presidency of Rose-Hulman, situated in Terre Haute, Indiana. He served as its president from 1976-2004. During this period, student enrollment doubled, $90 million in new buildings were constructed, the endowment increased to $180 million, and the school became co-educational. His "Vision to be the Best" campaign raised $250 million and saw Rose-Hulman reach #1 in the U.S. News & World Report rankings of undergraduate engineering programs whose highest degree is a Bachelor's or Master's. Besides serving as president, Hulbert also continued to teach bioengineering classes.

Also among his accomplishments are President of the Association of Independent Technological Universities, Chairman of the Second World Congress on Biomaterials, and Chairman of the 3rd International Symposium on Ceramics in Medicine.

He also founded the Society for Biomaterials.

Awards

• 1973 Clemson Special Award
• 1996 Indiana Health Industry Forum Lifetime Achievement Award
• 1998 Ernst & Young Supporter of Entrepreneurship Award
• 1998 C. Williams Award from the Society of Biomaterials
• 1999 George Winters Award from the European Society for Biomaterials
• 2001 Founders Award from the Society for Biomaterials

Hulbert is also a member of the Indiana Academy, the International Academy of Ceramics, a fellow in the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, and a fellow of biomaterials science and engineering from the World Biomaterials Congress.

Family

• Married Joy E. Husband 1960
• Three children: Greg (b.1961); Samantha (b. 1962); Jeff (b. 1968)
• Ten grandchildren. Their names are the following (from oldest to youngest); Anna, Kathryn, Frank, Sam, Jake, Grace, Foster, Madeline, Harrison, and Beck.
• He and his wife currently reside in Naples, Florida.