Henry “Hank” Nuttle, Professor Emeritus in NC State’s ISE Department, shaped generations through kindness, humility and mentorship. Nuttle will be remembered for contributions to industrial engineering, operations research and the students he guided worldwide. For many alumni and former graduate students, Nuttle was more than a professor. He was a patient mentor, trusted listener and steady source of encouragement whose office door remained open.

Shu-Cherng Fang worked alongside Nuttle for four decades and said those qualities defined him personally and professionally. “Hank was a true gentleman, always polite, patient and calm,” Fang said. “He was also a genuinely kind and compassionate man, consistently considerate, helpful and merciful toward others. I never heard him speak ill of anyone and likewise, I never heard anyone speak ill of him.”

Throughout his career at NC State, Nuttle made a lasting impact through teaching, mentorship and quiet leadership. Colleagues respected his scholarship and contributions to operations research, but many remembered his compassion most deeply. “Hank contributed enormously to ISE and OR,” Fang said. “His colleagues knew well that he was the kind of person who gave his very best while seeking the least credit for himself.”

His humility especially impacted graduate students navigating research, teaching and life far from home. “ISE and OR graduate students deeply respected and appreciated him for his mentoring and guidance,” Fang said. “International students, in particular, greatly benefited from his kindness, encouragement and willingness to listen and help.”

Many former students now carry Nuttle’s lessons into classrooms, research labs and universities across the world. Andres Medaglia remembered Nuttle’s patience and attention to detail during his doctoral studies at NC State. “I still remember when he would hand back my messy drafts; he had the patience to go over every line in detail, asking fundamental questions that forced me to look for better ways to understand the concepts and explain them in my own words,” Medaglia said. “Looking back, I realize how lucky we were to spend so much time with such a great mentor.”

Medaglia said Nuttle’s mentorship extended far beyond academics and research. “He truly knew what mentorship meant, especially for those of us who were international students trying to find our path in a new country,” he said. “He was a true exemplar of scholarship and someone we all strive to emulate.”

Yi Liao described Nuttle as a father figure during his early years in the United States. “Dr. Nuttle has been like a father figure to me during my time at NC State,” Liao said. “He showed great calmness and patience to all of his students. I thank him from the bottom of my heart for guiding me through my first four years in the US.”

Cheng-Feng Hu remembered Nuttle’s generosity through a deeply personal interaction involving his young son. “As an international student far from home, his kindness meant more than he probably knew,” Hu said. During a conversation, Hu shared his son’s interest in coin collecting with Nuttle. “One of my favorite memories was sharing my son’s interest in coin collecting with him,” Hu said. “Later, he generously gave my son treasured coins from his collection, a gift we will always cherish.”

Former student and professor Ilker Birbil said Nuttle offered comfort and stability during uncertain moments. “You were a safe port in moments of uncertainty, always ready with thoughtful advice and a warm welcome in your office,” Birbil said. “As a professor myself now, I still aspire to embody your unwavering care and dedication towards your students.”

Others remembered Nuttle’s warmth and generosity through everyday acts of support and encouragement. “Dr. Nuttle was a very decent, warm and loving person,” Yue Dai said. “Throughout his life, he helped and supported so many people. I was one of them.”

Ming-Jong Yao remembered Nuttle’s support during graduate school and doctoral studies. “Thank you for your invaluable advice and support during my Ph.D. studies at NC State,” Yao said.

Fang said his professional collaboration with Nuttle eventually became a friendship lasting more than forty years. “We had been close friends and partners for the past forty years and I am truly thankful to have had him in my life,” Fang said. “His humility, generosity, wisdom and friendship left a lasting impression on all who knew him and he will be deeply missed.”

Former students and colleagues remember not only Nuttle’s teaching, but the way he treated people. They remember feeling welcomed, respected, supported and encouraged during pivotal moments in their lives and careers. Nuttle’s legacy continues through the students, researchers and educators shaped by his mentorship and kindness.