Michael E. Durbin

Michael E. Durbin

Michael E. Durbin, a retired faculty member of the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, died Oct. 6. He was 72. 

Born March 27, 1942, Durbin was a graduate of Jesuit College Preparatory School and earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas).

After his retirement as a major from the U.S. Air Force in 1981, Durbin earned his master’s degree in mathematical sciences in 1983. He began his career at UT Dallas that year as a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, teaching courses in programming and discrete mathematics.

Durbin also served for three years as college master in the Jonsson School, a position now called associate dean for undergraduate education.

Mike was instrumental in shaping the introductory courses in computer science, and he contributed significantly to the undergraduate curriculum,” said Dr. Dung T. Huynh, associate dean in ECS and professor of computer science who was head of the department from 1997 to 2009. “He was energetic as a college master, and he cared a great deal about students.”

Durbin retired from the University in 2000 and was active in the UT Dallas Retiree Association, serving as president of the organization in 2011-2012.

Durbin will be laid to rest at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10, with military honors at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas.

A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. in the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Baylor Health Care System, designated for cancer research, or the American Heart Association.