Ron Britton became registered as a professional engineer in 1964, two years after graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He spent five years after his graduation working in industry with positions in Winnipeg, MB, Toronto, ON, and London, ENG. In 1967, he returned to school and obtained an MSc (University of Manitoba) and a PhD (Texas A&M). From that point on, he dedicated his life to academia, serving as a professor of engineering at the University of Manitoba.
At various points throughout his career, Ron has served as President of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba, President of the Canadian Society of Agricultural Engineering, President of the Canadian Engineering Education Association, and President of the Canadian Society of Senior Engineers. He is also a Fellow of the Canadian Society of Agricultural Engineering, a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of Engineers Canada, and a 3M Teaching Fellow. In addition, he has been recognized as an Honorary Life Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba, a Professor Emeritus of the University of Manitoba, and has received both the Medal for Distinction in Engineering Education and the Meritorious Service Award – Professional Service from Engineers Canada.
2014-Present Associate, Centre for Engineering Professional Practice and Engineering Education, University of Manitoba 2013-Present Professor Emeritus 2013-Present Senior Scholar, Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba 2012-14 Associate, University of Manitoba Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics 2012 12 month Administrative Leave 2009 Acting Dean (January/February, mid July thru mid August), Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba 2001-2011 NSERC Chair in Design Engineering 2000-2011 Associate Dean (Design Education), Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba 2000-2012 Professor, Department of Civil and Geological Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba 1999-2000 Acting Department Head, Department of Biosystems Engineering , University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba 1996 Acting Department Head, Department of Biosystems Engineering , University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba (March thru August) 1995- 2012 Professor, Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba 1991 Six-month research/study leave. United Grain Growers Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba 1986-1995 Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba 1983 Six-month research/study leave, to write a textbook for use in agricultural structures courses, Winnipeg, Manitoba 1980-1981 Acting Department Head, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba 1979-1982 Contributing Editor, Grainews, Winnipeg, Manitoba 1977-1986 Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba 1974-1977 Adjunct Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba 1974-1977 Assistant Director and Assistant Professor, School of Agriculture, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba 1973-1974 Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba 1972-1973 Assistant Professor, Agricultural Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 1969-1971 Graduate Assistant, Agricultural Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 1967-1969 Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
AWARDS
2017 CEEA/ACEG announced the Ron Britton Engineering Education Vanguard Award to be presented annually
2017 The initial CEEA/ACEG Lifetime Service Award 2014 Honorary Life Member, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba
2013 Meritorious Service Award - Professional Service, Engineers Canada
2013 Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba
2011 Fellow, Canadian Academy of Engineering
2010 Fellow, Engineers Canada
2008 APEGM Leadership Award, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba
2004 Certificate of Teaching Excellence, University of Manitoba University Teaching Service and University of Manitoba Students’ Union.
2004 Faculty Access Award, Student Affairs, University of Manitoba
2002 APEGM Merit Award, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba
2001 APEGM Outstanding Service Award, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba
2001 NSERC Chair in Engineering Design
2000 Certificate of Teaching Excellence, University of Manitoba University Teaching Service and University of Manitoba Students’ Union.
1998 Fellow, Canadian Society of Agricultural Engineering 1997 Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Technology Award, Eighth National Conference on College Teaching Learning and Technology, Jacksonville Florida.
1996 Certificate of Teaching Excellence, University of Manitoba University Teaching Service and University of Manitoba Students’ Union.
1995 3M Teaching Fellowship
1995 The Canadian Council of Professional Engineers Medal for Distinction in Engineering Education
1995 The Dr. & Mrs. D.R. Campbell Outreach Award, University of Manitoba
1993 Maple Leaf Award, Canadian Society of Agricultural Engineering
1987 Canadian Society of Agricultural Engineering - Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute Award
1986 The Dr. & Mrs. H.H. Saunderson Award for Excellence in Teaching, University of Manitoba
1985 Agricultural Engineer of the Year, North Central Region of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers 1984 Western Electric Fund Award for Excellence in Instruction of Engineering Students (North Midwest Section, American Society for Engineering Education)
Photo: "The Canadarm" - Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS)