Liebman honored for pioneering career, lifelong contributions to operations research

Late professor emerita Judith Liebman was inducted this week in the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS) Hall of Fame at their triennial meeting in Vienna. She was recognized for her pioneering contributions and significant achievements in the advancement of operational research around the world.

Illinois civil and environmental engineering professor emeritus Jon Liebman attended the meeting to accept the honor on behalf of his wife.

The IFORS Hall of Fame celebrates the significant contributions made by the OR pioneers and those who have followed in their footsteps. Inductees are chosen by a panel of presidents of IFORS member societies, members of the Administrative Committee of IFORS, the editors and members of the editorial board of ITOR, and individuals specially selected to provide historical perspective and geographical balance.

Liebman’s research areas were in the applications of operations research in engineering optimization, health systems, and military and civil infrastructure investment. She also had a deep interest in studying how to improve engineering education.

Her promotion to associate professor in 1977 made her the first woman to earn tenure in MechSE — and only the second female to earn tenure in the College of Engineering. In 1984 she was promoted to full professor.

Read more about her life and distinguished career >

The IFORS Hall of Fame citation reads:

Professor Judith Stenzel Liebman was a researcher, practitioner, educator and a leader in the field of Operational Research. She was the first (and only) female President of the Operations Research Society of America (ORSA). Her many pioneering achievements have inspired countless women and men in OR.  

Prof. Liebman received the George E. Kimbal Medal for outstanding contribution to the OR profession (1996), was an inaugural Fellow of INFORMS (2002), and the Omega Rho Distinguished Lecturer (2003).

Judith Liebman carved out a remarkable career at a time when women were unlikely to obtain higher degrees in science. She majored in physics at the University of Colorado. She studied operations research at Cornell and completed her PhD at Johns Hopkins University in 1971. She broke barriers in 1972 by being the first woman to hold a tenure-track engineering faculty position at the University of Illinois, rising through the ranks to become a Professor in 1984 and then Vice-Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate College at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (1987-1992).

Prof. Liebman’s research helped bring mathematical programming and modelling to the distribution of health care services; her later research expanded to other areas including transportation and civil engineering. She was a wonderful teacher and had a deep interest in improving engineering education. She served on the Committee for Engineering Education of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering and chaired the Advisory Committee for the U.S. National Science Foundation Engineering Directorate. 

Prof. Liebman was a quiet leader. She was genuinely interested in the well-being of others and was devoted to mentoring others her entire life. In honour of her dedication, INFORMS established the Judith Liebman Award to recognize OR student volunteers who have been “moving spirits” in their universities.

Judith Liebman’s journey from computer programmer to distinguished professor — overcoming many challenges and breaking glass ceilings — is a testament to resilience, determination and the belief in pursuing one’s goals despite societal expectations. She is an inspiration for generations to come.