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Dr.
Theodore Ferry
Class of 1994
Background:
Theodore S. Ferry was born November 5, 1922, in Clarksburg,
West Virginia, U.S.A., the son of the late Charles and Evelyn
Ferry. He died September 21, 1993, in Edmonds, Washington.
He received his bachelor of science degree in business administration
from Troy State University in 1968; a master of science degree
in systems management from the University of Southern California
(USC) in 1971; and a doctor of education degree in safety
science and systems management from USC in 1973. A registered
professional engineer (safety engineering), a certified safety
professional, and a certified hazard control manager, Dr.
Ferry served with distinction and top honors with the U.S.
Army during World War II, in Korea, and the Republic of Vietnam.
Professional
Experience:
Dr. Ferry began his safety career as an assistant safety director
with Duff-Norton Manufacturing Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
where he later studied safety engineering at the University
of Pittsburgh. Enlisting in the U.S. Army following the outbreak
of World War II, his entire 26-year Army career involved aviation
safety assignments, thus enabling him to apply his considerable
knowledge and skills in the safety sciences to both ground
and flight safety in both combat and non-combat environments.
Following retirement from the Army, he joined the teaching
staff at USC's Institute of Safety and Systems Management,
earning a Chairmanship and being primarily responsible for
the development of the Masters/Doctorate program, where he
remained for 21 years. Upon his retirement, he was named Professor
Emeritus, and a scholarship in the safety sciences was established
in his honor. A prolific writer, Dr. Ferry authored more than
100 publications, 20 of which were texts.
Career
Highlights:
Dr. Ferry was a driving force in getting aviation safety officers
assigned to each Army aviation company, thereby improving
safety in both ground and flight operations. At USC, his paradigm
for designing safety science curricula for higher education
had an enormous impact on such programs of study nationwide.
His contributions to the science of aviation mishap investigation
methodology earned him worldwide recognition. A consuming
interest was his vision for educating the entire population
in the knowledge and skills required to permit citizens to
enjoy an improved quality of life. A book on child safety,
written at the request of the American Society of Safety Engineers
(ASSE), was submitted for publication shortly after his death
and will be available in the fall of 1994. Still another publication,
Safe, Sane, and Secure - at Home and Play, published by a
commercial printer, became available following his death.
Named a "Fellow" by the American Society of Safety
Engineers, the American Academy of Safety Education, and the
Institute for the Advancement of Engineering, Dr. Ferry wore
the mantle of a safety professional exceptionally well.
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