John J. Tracy

Honorary Degrees
 
 

John J. TracyJohn J. Tracy

Aerospace/Community Leader

California State University, Dominguez Hills

John J. Tracy is a champion of the human spirit, with a distinguished career and sterling achievements as an executive and aerospace leader, along with a strong commitment to the community and education.

Growing up in Gardena, California, Mr. Tracy had a lifelong interest in aerospace science and technology. He is a respected alumnus of California State University, Dominguez Hills and received a bachelor of science in physics from the university in 1976. His master of science in physics is from CSU Los Angeles and his Ph.D. in engineering is ​from the University of California, Irvine. His commitment to education can be traced back to his early years teaching science and math to high school students in Los Angeles.

Mr. Tracy began his career as an engineer in 1981, when he joined McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) as a stress analyst. He held many leadership roles at the Boeing Company, including vice president of structural technologies, prototyping and quality for Boeing Phantom Works research and development, and vice president of engineering and mission assurance for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems where he led a 32,000-person engineering team. In his current role as chief technology officer and senior vice president for engineering, operations and technology, he is responsible for corporate strategies to attain and maintain technical and functional excellence, as well as providing strategic direction to several functions and business organizations comprising more than 100,000 employees.

He is an excellent role model to fellow alumni and students, and has been a passionate advocate for improving engineering education and developing strategic relationships with industry to enhance career opportunities for students. Mr. Tracy encourages youth to attain technical knowledge and nurture the innovative thinking and vision required to succeed in a global economy.

Mr. Tracy has upheld the public trust and advanced the common good of our global society with great intellect and inspiring leadership in the aerospace industry, receiving numerous engineering and technology awards.

In recognition of his standing as a valued community member, respected business and technology leader and role model for students, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, Dominguez Hills are proud to confer upon John J. Tracy the honorary degree of Doctor of Science.