By MC2 Shawn J. Stewart

Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Professor of Systems Engineering (SE) Dr. David H. Olwell will soon be settling in to his new position as Dean of Engineering at Saint Martin's University in Lacey, Washington, but colleagues say he has made a lasting legacy on both the university, and the systems engineering discipline, here at NPS.

"For the 26 years I have been teaching, I've always kept a sign outside my office, a quotation from Douglas McArthur. It reads, 'Your duty remains fixed, inviolate. It is to win our nation's wars,'" said Olwell.

"Since 1974, it has been my life's work to contribute to that effort of winning our nation's wars. I consider my teaching years as fighting the very deep battle, helping to shape and strengthen those who will shoulder the responsibilities of our future national defense," he added.

Over the years, the Navy has placed significant value on the study of systems engineering, and Olwell has been deeply involved in evolving the university's program over the years.

"When SECNAV [Donald C.] Winter called upon NPS in 2007 to help lead the revitalization of the systems engineering workforce in the Navy, we were positioned and we responded by expanding both the breadth and reach of our educational and research programs," said Olwell.

"Working with my colleagues, especially Bob Harney and Chuck Calvano, who had the initial vision for systems engineering at NPS, and Wally Owen, who has been our strong outreach champion, and partnering with other departments at NPS, we built a set of programs that grew from a few dozen students to over 500 students per year," he added.