2014 — John Henshaw

As a 30-year veteran of the engineering industry, many of Professor John Henshaw’s career goals fall within the realm of materials science, but he is always looking for ways to share his work with the world. His personal charge to provide sustainable solutions that improve a community’s quality of life is well aligned with The University of Tulsa’s service-minded mission.

For nearly 24 years, Henshaw, chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Harry H. Rogers Professor of Mechanical Engineering, has played an integral role in shaping the lives of young TU engineers and teaching the importance of community service. TU’s mechanical engineers are widely known for their participation in the Make A Difference Engineering (MADE at TU) initiative, created to improve the lives of persons with special needs through mobility aids and other adaptive devices.

“Our students do some amazing things, and one of the projects I’m most proud of is MADE at TU,” Henshaw said. “This generation of college students is very service-oriented. All you have to do is point them in the right direction. It’s a pleasure to work with them.”

An avid cyclist who rides 25 minutes to campus almost every day of the year, Henshaw is passionate about “green” transportation methods. He has a long-standing partnership with Ford Motor Company where he collaborates on projects related to improved energy efficiency. With his help, many TU students have obtained internships and jobs at Ford, but Henshaw strives to reach a broader audience. He has written three books about science and technology for a general audience including his latest book, An Equation for Every Occasion, which began as a collaboration with a TU student.

“Every week we each would write a 1,000-word story about how a mathematical equation tied into current events,” Henshaw said. “I kept working on the project and came up with 52 stories.”
Henshaw serves as the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences representative for the Tulsa Chapter of the TU Alumni Association board and often attends athletic, music, and academic events. His wife, Mia Vahlberg (JD ’04), is an attorney at Gable Gotwals; and his stepdaughter, Elaine Johnson (BS ’10), is an alumna of TU’s international business and language program.

An alumnus of Vanderbilt and the University of Delaware, Henshaw never expected to receive a prestigious alumni award from the TU Alumni Association, but he’s thrilled to be named Mr. Homecoming. His tireless devotion to students and colorful career in engineering have made him a campus favorite, and he’s excited to represent the spirit of TU at this year’s Homecoming celebration.

“There are just so many great things about working at a university — smart students, beautiful facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with fantastic faculty,” he said. “I love all things TU.”