Alan Nye

Dr. Alan H. “Doc” Nye 8/26/1946 – 1/28/2026

Dr. Alan H. Nye, a longtime Rochester educator, engineer, and beloved mentor to generations of students, is remembered for a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in higher education and engineering education innovation. He was an esteemed scholar, educator, mentor, father, grandfather and husband. Alan lived a life filled with love. He was a friend to all. Everyone loved Alan, and the world will not be the same without him. “Doc” was a life force!

Born and raised in Wolcott, NY, he earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Clarkson University, followed by a PHD in Mechanical Engineering (1975) from the University of Rochester. Alan settled in Scottsville, NY at the Heart House with Nancy BB Meyer-Nye (wife). He was peacefully surrounded by his dogs Tippy-Tin and Snowball. Also, in spirit, with Einstein, Mensa and many other animal angels. Nancy remembers Alan fondly with the words: “To know Alan was to love him. Not many people know that he was an animal whisperer. I never met anyone that was so dedicated and filled with love for all animals.”

Alan traveled the world, studied the universe, had fun, and made many life-long relationships. Alan is survived by two beloved sons, Drew Nye (Rochester, NY – RIT alumni), Jason Nye (North Carolina- RIT alumni), Marie Nye (wife of Drew- RIT alumni), Albright Nye (beloved grandson), Kathleen Nye (Mother of Jason and Andrew, RIT alumni), and his soul-mate Nancy BB Meyer-Nye (wife- RIT alumni), many friends, colleagues, associates, alumni, and all of the animal angels including Tippy Tin and Snowball.

Alan was known for traversing our world and space through research, adventures, SAE competitions, friendly conversations and love! Alan was a professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology starting in 1977 and retiring after 45 years. A nationally recognized leader in experiential and project-based engineering education, Dr. Nye was best known as the driving force behind RIT’s SAE and performance racing programs, including Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Solar Car, and other collegiate design competitions. Under his mentorship, RIT teams earned international recognition and ranked among the top programs in the United States and globally. Thousands of students credit his guidance for shaping their professional careers and approach to leadership and teamwork.

Doc Nye’s influence extended well beyond the classroom. He served multiple terms on SAE International’s national board, helped establish RIT’s student SAE chapter, and was instrumental in expanding collegiate engineering competitions nationwide. His contributions to engineering education were recognized with numerous honors, including SAE International’s Medal of Honor (2022)—one of the organization’s highest distinctions—as well as repeated recognition as an Outstanding Faculty Advisor and the SAE Excellence in Engineering Education Award.

Alan will be dearly missed, but we can meet him on the dark side of the moon. He’ll be there waiting for us. Alan’s remains will be interred with his beloved four-legged friend, Einstein. Nancy will join him in spirit when the time comes.

A celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date per the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Alan Nye Endowed Student Support Fund at RIT.

https://www.rit.edu/giving/honoring-alan-nye