Distinguished Engineer
Hometown: Harrisburg
Electrical Engineering ,
Wayne Knabach worked for Northwestern Public Service Co. (NWPS) in Yankton, following his graduation from South Dakota State College. After two years in the U.S. Army, he returned to NWPS in Yankton, then was transferred for two years in the general office of NWPS in Huron. He began teaching in the Electrical Engineering Department at SDSC in 1957. While working as an Instructor at SDSC, he enrolled in graduate school and completed his M.S. in engineering in 1961. In 1971, he was appointed coordinator of the Center for Power Systems Studied. During his tenure at the Center, membership increased from five to 10 full members and included 12 associate member in four states. He developed a five-day field trip for students that included touring 15 power sites in the Upper Midwest. In addition he spent numerous summer involved in a variety of industrial experiences including: NASA in Huntsville, Alabama; and the Electric Power Research Institute in Palo Alto, California. Through Knabach’s ongoing communication with various power industry organizations, many students appreciated his concern and discretion for their career opportunities. He received numerous awards including the Siouxland Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Teacher of the Year in 1991, the Siouxland IEEE Engineer of the Year in 1993 and the East River Electric Power Cooperative Eminent Service Award in 1994.