Bill Scherer Death, Obituary – It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of William T. Scherer, a celebrated professor in the University of Virginia’s Systems Engineering Program. Known for his academic rigor, kindness, and dedication, Professor Scherer was an inspiring figure for countless students, colleagues, and professionals across the systems engineering and analytics communities.
An online obituary posted on October 30, 2024, announced his passing, though his cause of death was not disclosed. To honor him, his family has invited those who knew him to gather outside at 9 p.m. EDT on October 30, 2024, to shine a light skyward as a symbolic guide to his journey. They suggested playing Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run,” a meaningful tribute to his vibrant life and spirit.
Professor Scherer joined UVA’s Systems Engineering Program in 1986 and quickly became known for his expertise in business analytics, stochastic control, and systems thinking. His academic pursuits focused on creating intelligent decision-support systems, enhancing transportation systems, and applying stochastic control methods to real-world issues. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Professor Scherer’s scholarly contributions remain a staple in the engineering curriculum at UVA and in professional circles worldwide.
His intellectual contributions extended beyond research papers and included co-authoring pivotal books like *How to Do Systems Analysis* (2007) and *How to Do Systems Analysis: Primer and Casebook* (2016), published by Wiley. These works have served as foundational texts for students and practitioners, cementing his legacy as a scholar who valued the practical application of theoretical concepts.
Known for his commitment to education, Professor Scherer received the Outstanding University of Virginia Faculty Award in 2007, a testament to his dedication to student success and his influence as an educator. Students often recall how his teaching style sparked a love for systems engineering, an approach that focused on problem-solving through a blend of analytical rigor and creative thinking. His courses were not merely lectures; they were experiences that left lasting impressions on his students, many of whom went on to successful careers in academia, industry, and government.
Beyond his teaching, Professor Scherer was a valued mentor and leader. He served as President of the IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Society from 2007 to 2008, helping to shape the future of transportation engineering. As a visiting professor at UVA’s Darden Graduate School of Business, he brought systems thinking into business management, reflecting his belief in interdisciplinary learning.
William Scherer’s impact on the UVA community and the broader field of systems engineering is profound and enduring. His passing leaves a void, but his contributions to academia and his influence on his students ensure his legacy will continue to shape minds for years to come. His devotion to systems thinking and the application of analytics in real-world scenarios has influenced fields ranging from transportation to financial engineering.
In this time of loss, the UVA community mourns not only a brilliant professor but a friend and mentor who made a lasting impact on those around him. His life serves as an example of how passion, dedication, and a love for knowledge can resonate beyond the classroom.
