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Francis J. Hassler, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus of Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Post Harvest Processing

Biographical

Francis J. Hassler, died in January 1996. He joined the departments faculty in 1950 coming form Michigan State University with a PhD. He focused on tobacco curing research working at the Oxford Tobacco Research Station. Hassler had an enviable record in the the area of tobacco curing. He is credited with developing the method and equipment for curing flue-cured tobacco in bulk.

In 1954 Hassler transferred to Raleigh to strengthen the departments Masters level programs (in days past not all faculty had PhD degrees hence, the difference between the use of the words Professor and Doctor). Under the direction of Dr. Hassler in 1959 our first PH D student earned his degree and this student was Dr. Suggs also an emeritus of this department. At this time it was becoming evident that more and stronger courses in science and mathematics were needed to enhance the technological aspects of engineering and these courses began to be put in place.

In 1961, Hassler was named department head and served until 1987. Under his direction the department grew in personnel increasing in the number of faculty, technical staff and students. He is credited with developing the graduate student programs direction and strength. He is also recognized as integrating extension faculty efforts with teaching giving many more faculty both teaching and extension appointments. After replacing Professor Giles as Department Head Hassler presided over the building and dedication of the Weaver Labs building as seen below.