The third woman in Purdue University history to earn a PhD in computer science joined the faculty at Michigan Tech 47 years ago. Computer Science Professor Linda Ott never left. She didn’t need to.
“I did all kinds of things that kept the job interesting,” said Ott, who celebrated her retirement at the end of June with a party hosted by the College of Computing at Michigan Tech’s Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts. “I loved living here, had great opportunities, and loved the people I was working with and for. There was nothing better.”
As alumni, faculty, leadership, and friends came together to celebrate her legacy, it was clear that Ott was indeed able to blaze trails at the University, in the field of computing, and as part of the greater Keweenaw Peninsula community. In her roles as educator, mentor, advocate, and researcher, she extended her outreach around the globe without needing to leave Houghton in the rear-view mirror.
“It’s just been such a joy, over all these years. Who knew a faculty job could be so much fun?”
Tech Success, Measured in Otts
When the time came for tributes at Ott’s retirement celebration, Michigan Tech President Rick Koubek was first at the podium. He told Ott that reflecting on the broad spectrum of her contributions through teaching, service, and research led him beyond the breadth of her work to her overarching achievement: “making Michigan Tech a great place.”
“This is the legacy you’ve left,” he said.
Alumnus Brian VanVoorst, ’91 ’93, offered a more data-centric view, noting that Ott, by his reckoning, had taught 185 course sections, 22 course titles, and 4,800 individual students, holding a total of at least 4,000 office hours. Noting that Ott’s influence benefited 300 students in Michigan Tech Summer Youth Program’s Women in Computer Science experience, VanVoorst said Ott’s only contribution that he was unable to quantify is her hours of service on “too many committees to count.”
“After 47 years of contribution, the new measure of impact at the University should be named after Linda: An ‘L. Ott,’ which is, quite literally, a lot!”
Alumna Dianne Marsh, ’86 ’92 said Ott was her first touchpoint at Michigan Tech. She spoke glowingly of Ott’s ability to nurture and sustain a strong, connective alumni network. “Her superpower is her inclusivity,” she said.
Computer Science Professor Laura Brown highlighted the doors that Ott has opened for her and many others as a “peer, a friend, and a mentor.” She said that one of the most valuable lessons she has learned from Ott is that at times it is both necessary and productive “to be the squeaky wheel.”
Assistant Professor Briana Bettin brought the laudatory remarks full circle, speaking from the heart as both a colleague and alumna. Ott’s mentorship was especially crucial when Bettin was uncertain about what her future in computer science might look like. Ott steered her toward the user experience field and offered words of reassurance that let Bettin know she belonged.
“I wouldn’t be Dr. Briana Bettin without Linda Ott,” Bettin said. “I love this university and I would not have that without Dr. Ott and her commitment to students. She reflects the type of person that I want to be. I want other students to experience that. The experiences that people share here are part of what makes Tech Tech. Our roots run deep, connecting us across generations.”
Passing the Mantle
While Ott is looking forward to traveling, sleeping, and enjoying the seasons, she also has a vision for how her work will carry on.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about the high school teacher who figured out a way to offer an intro to programming course in our high school in 1968,” said Ott. “That course was where I discovered how much fun programming is, which ultimately led me to pursue computer science and my career. I think about how impactful his efforts were on my life and I’d like to think that I’ve extended his impact forward to future generations through my students and colleagues.
“Impact happens in a lot of different ways, from curriculum to conversations,” said Ott. “And I’m hoping that others will see that it doesn’t stop with me.”
Bettin wanted Ott to know that the passing of the mantle has been accepted. “She’s done so much to connect people on this campus. It’s going to take all of us,” she said. “That legacy lives on in all of us in this room.”
Ott’s legacy also continues through the new alumni-supported Linda Ott Computer Science Endowed Scholarship. Questions about the scholarship can be directed to Joanne Anderson, director for charitable giving, at joanne@mtu.edu.
About the College of Computing
The Michigan Tech College of Computing, established in 2019, is the first academic unit in Michigan dedicated solely to computing, and one of only a handful such academic units in the United States. The college is composed of two academic departments. The Computer Science department offers four bachelor of science programs in computer science, cybersecurity, data science, and software engineering; four master of science programs in applied computer science, computer science, cybersecurity, and data science; and a doctoral program in computer science. The Applied Computing department offers four bachelor of science programs in cybersecurity, electrical engineering technology, information technology, and mechatronics; two master of science programs in health informatics and mechatronics; and a doctoral program is in computational science and engineering.
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