Dr. Donald L. Bitzer, National Inventors Hall of Fame Member and Distinguished University Research Professor with NC State’s Department of Computer Science, passed away on December 10, 2024 at the age of 90.
Born January 1, 1934, Dr. Bitzer received his Electrical Engineering BS, MS and PhD degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Earlier in his career, Dr. Bitzer’s research focused on the use of technology in education. While working as a professor at UIUC in the 1960s, Dr. Bitzer and his team created PLATO (Program Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations), a revolutionary computerized learning system. The networked and interactive teaching system introduced concepts we still use today, such as online chat rooms, multiplayer gaming and e-newsletters.
Needing an improved display terminal for PLATO, Dr. Bitzer and his team were driven to invent the plasma display, a forerunner of the modern flat-panel TV screen. This monumental achievement was recognized with an Emmy Award for Scientific Development and Technological Achievement in 2002, making him the only NC State Department of Computer Science faculty member to win an Emmy Award. It is difficult to imagine a world without flat-panel TVs, and we have Dr. Bitzer to thank for paving the way.
Dr. Bitzer joined NC State’s Department of Computer Science in 1989, where his research focused on advanced learning technologies, artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. Dr. Bitzer was a pioneer in the computer science and computer engineering field, a lifelong learner and a valued member of the Department of Computer Science. But more than that, NC State colleagues remember him as an incredible team player, always ready with a funny story or a magic trick of his own design.
“Working with Dr. Donald Bitzer was one of the joys of my life, and the most impactful experience I had as a student at NC State University,” said Dr. Tiffany Barnes, Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at NC State. “As an instructor, Bitzer was an entertainer and an inspiration. He performed magic tricks that demonstrated basic concepts throughout the discrete math course, and told stories that hinted at the broad implications that a strong math foundation could have on solving important and hard problems. During office hours, Bitzer encouraged students to ask questions, help one another and have fun. I was inspired by him to work with him on research as an undergraduate and later as a PhD student and his advisee. Bitzer posed difficult problems and got excited about solving them with students. He had an open door policy – anyone could come into his office anytime to talk about research, class, or anything, especially if it was to do some math, engineering or programming to solve a problem. I saw him support students and his colleagues in so many ways, mostly through a keen insight into the important aspects of a problem, and potential solutions and a belief that we could all get involved. Bitzer was dedicated to encouraging and supporting high school students, undergraduates and graduate students in research. His belief that we can all help with solutions is central to my memory of him and my love for the Computer Science Department at NC State.”
“The Department of Computer Science is incredibly fortunate to have had Don as a faculty member for more than three decades,” said Dr. James Lester, Goodnight Distinguished University Professor in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. “He was extraordinary in so many ways. While the world knew him as the brilliant inventor of the plasma display panel and a pioneer in learning technologies research, for colleagues he was a source of great wisdom and kindness. His tales of science adventures always left everyone smiling, and he had an astonishing zest for life that persisted into his 90s.”
“Dr. Bitzer was a national treasure whose innovations positively impacted most Americans, directly or indirectly, whether they know it or not,” said Ken Tate, former Director of Engagement and External Relations with the Department of Computer Science. “As brilliant as he was, he was also one of the kindest and most humble people I’ve ever met. I will miss him dearly!”
A visitation of family and friends will be held on January 26, 2025 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Brown Wynne Funeral Home in Cary, NC. Additional details about Dr. Bitzer’s life and legacy can be found in his obituary.
Dr. Bitzer’s achievements and awards include:
- National Academy of Engineering Member – 1974
- National Academy of Inventors Fellow – 2017
- National Inventors Hall of Fame – 2013
- Consumer Electronics Association, Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame – 2006
- National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Emmy Award, 2002, for his role in developing the plasma screen
- National Academies National Associate (National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine & National Research Council) – 2002
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Life Fellow – 1982
This post was originally published in the Department of Computer Science.
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