Linda Davis

2016 Co-op Hall of Fame Inductee

Education 

• B.S. ’81, Chemistry, College of William and Mary
• M.S. ’83, Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia

Professional Career

After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the College of William and Mary, Linda Davis joined the Atlantic Research Corporation as a Development Chemist, before matriculating to the University of Virginia to pursue a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Subsequently, she began a storied career with Air Products and Chemicals. Initially, she enrolled in the Career Development Program and then bcame a Process Engineer in the gases group. Due to her excellent performance, she was soon promoted to Lead Process Engineer, a role she held until 2000. She then worked in varying leadership roles until 2007.

In 2007, Linda began her career at Purdue University, as the Industrial Education Director for the School of Chemical Engineering. Here, she administered the ChE co-op program, managed the Fundamentals Lab, chaired the ChE safety committee, and advised hundreds of Chemical Engineering students in their job searches. She also championed and developed, with Professor Mike Harris, a Process Safety Management electice course.

Co-op Impact

Linda Davis was an invaluable partner to the Office of Professional Practice in her role administering the Chemical Engineering co-op program. During her tenure as Industrial Education Director, she succeeded in enrolling more than 20% of all Chemical Engineering students in a co-op plan of study.