Ron Vetter

Ron Vetter, a professor in the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Department of Computer Science, is a recipient of the 2023 Richard E. Merwin Award for Distinguished Service from the IEEE Computer Society.  

The Richard E. Merwin Award is the society’s highest volunteer service award honoring individuals worldwide “for exceptional contributions to the computing profession and sustained impactful service to the IEEE Computer Society,” according to a news release.

The award’s namesake was a pioneer in digital computer engineering known for his generosity of spirit and genuine helpfulness to advance the progress of the computer profession, the release stated.  

Vetter said, “This recognition is especially meaningful as my service involved working with leading computer engineers, scientists, academia, and industry professionals from across the globe to advance technology innovations and to have a positive impact on society. The knowledge and lessons I learned from these interactions, I brought into the classroom and shared with UNCW students, hopefully benefiting them in a positive way.” 

According to the release, Vetter "has a long history of remarkable service to both UNCW and the computing profession at large, spanning nearly three decades."

He has served on numerous national and international computer science conference program committees and editorial boards. Vetter has also held many leadership and academic positions at UNCW, including department chair, chief research officer and dean of the graduate school, the release stated. 

“Dr. Vetter is a respected scholar and educator at UNCW, in the community, and in the profession,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Michelle Scatton-Tessier in the release. “He is most deserving of this award that recognizes his contributions to the computing profession and his commitment to our programs and students.” 

His contributions to the IEEE-CS include serving on the editorial board for Computer, the international flagship publication of the IEEE-CS since 1995.

Vetter will be presented with a bronze medal and a $5,000 honorarium at an upcoming IEEE-CS awards dinner and presentation.