Transitions: Charles Schultz Retiring From ITE

November 30, 2011

Farewell reception noon-2 p.m. Dec. 7 in N-117

Professor Charles Schultz is retiring from ITE. A farewell reception is scheduled for noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, in N-117. Cake will be served. Please drop in to wish him well. His last day on campus will be Dec. 18, and Dec. 31 is his final day as an SF employee.

Schultz became a full-time professor in 1999 after several years as an adjunct instructor. He now teaches the Cisco (computer networking) program, although he first taught micro-architecture followed by many other technology subjects.

Schultz earned an electrical engineering degree from the University of Florida. Then, while working on a thesis in artificial intelligence, he developed several electronic instruments for the UF Psychology Department. When orders came in for the instruments, he formed Schultz Instruments, Inc., to manufacture them. One of the instruments, a shock stimulus generator, was used to cure a girl of her sneezing, a problem which placed her in the Guinness Book of World Records. Over his career he and his company developed many products, specializing in custom electronic instrumentation, automation, and computer interfacing. He has automated television stations, newspapers, and citrus plants, among other industries.

Schultz began teaching at SF a few years after selling his business and doing some consulting. One of his favorite memories is seeing how engaged his students became in micro-architecture. Another is watching students "get" some of the math involved in Cisco. Schultz likes it when students who have graduated come back and tell him how they are doing. He has always enjoyed sharing his industry experience with his students.

Schultz has been a faculty advisor for Santa Fe's Alpha Zeta Phi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society for several years. He has also been an advisor for the Engineering Club.

He is a long time member of the Rotary Club of Gainesville and the Gainesville Area Innovation Network.

His retirement plans include spending time with family in Texas and helping with their ventures. Charles is married to Mary Gay Schultz and they have two children, Charles W. Schultz and Leanne G. Schultz. Leanne is currently a student of digital multi-media here at SF. His son Chas and partner, Rebecca, reside in Houston with their new daughter, Madison. Rebecca is also the mother of a wonderful son, Jake, and two lovely daughters, Gabi and Kala, by a prior marriage.