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A seventh endowed faculty position has been created within the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering at South ��ֱ���� State University.

The Metzger Educator in Power System Engineering was created in July by Blair and Julie Metzger of Rock Rapids, Iowa. Blair is a 1986 SDSU electrical engineering graduate and the former president of DGR Engineering, headquartered in his hometown of Rock Rapids.

The Metzgers were motivated to establish this position out of an appreciation for what his engineering degree has allowed him to experience throughout his career. Further, he and Julie grew up in rural areas of the Upper Midwest and have a desire to help build and strengthen the region by encouraging development of future electrical engineers who will support the power systems and utilities in the area.  

“I have been incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to work for many electric utilities in this region, small to large, which has led to a fulfilling and rewarding career,” Metzger said. “It is my desire that this position solidifies the instruction of power system engineering at SDSU and that the future engineering needs of the region’s electric utilities will be met by those who are part of this program.”

The intents of funding this position include helping to recruit students into the power utility field, providing classroom instruction in power systems courses, strengthening ties to regional electrical utilities, coordinating with utilities to provide students with career opportunities, and advocating for the power systems curriculum within the McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Center for Power Systems Studies to benefit from new position

The educator who holds the endowment also will serve as coordinator of the Center for Power System Studies within the department. The center holds a special place in Metzger’s heart as he served on its board from 2001 to 2021 and its original director, Wayne Knabach, was his adviser and one of his favorite faculty members.  

“Knabach’s influence was a large reason I pursued a career in the power engineering field,” Metzger noted. “Wayne had a deep appreciation and love for the power engineering field and he shared that enthusiasm with his students. He also had deep relationships with many in the electric utility industry, which was helpful to the students as they sought out internships and long-term employment opportunities.  

“It is my hope that the position supported by this endowment will play a similar role for future SDSU power students.”

Metzger won Knabach ��ֱ���� in ’22

The Center for Power Systems Studies annually recognizes a regional supporter of the power industry. In 2022, that award went to Metzger. He notes the center draws together people from the power industry in the ��ֱ����s, Minnesota and Iowa as well as keeping the program visible to engineering students.

“It’s not a large program but it has historically attracted a lot of good students,” said Metzger, whose son Brendan is a 2015 electrical engineering graduate and who also works at DGR in the power engineering area.

Metzger said, “From my days as an SDSU student through my time at DGR, I have had nothing but good experiences in the power systems engineering industry. I have seen first-hand how excellent the power program at SDSU has been over the years. It takes strong faculty to create and maintain strong programs.  

“Julie and I hope that through this gift, SDSU will be able to continue the outstanding power systems studies program that was in place when I was a student and that was so instrumental in my career.” 

Directed DGR Engineering for 15 years

Metzger joined DGR Engineering in June 1986 as a design engineer. He rose through the ranks and served as head of DGR’s electrical power group from 2002 to 2010, when he was appointed company president. He served in that role until early 2025. He continues to work at DGR, providing a variety of services to its clients.

DGR, founded in 1952, has 180 employees with offices in Rock Rapids, Sioux City and Sioux Center, Iowa; along with Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Belle Fourche. The firm specializes in aviation, civil, electrical power, survey, wastewater and water engineering. Since 2014, it has annually received the Circle of Excellence designation for overall engineering performance by PSMJ Resources, a leading management consulting firm for architecture and engineering firms.  The company also has received a “Top Workplace” designation for several years.

Sanjeev Kumar, dean of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, offered, “My deepest gratitude to Blair and Julie Metzger for their generous gift in establishing this endowment. This visionary support will not only strengthen our academic mission but will empower generations of educators to inspire students and shape the future of the power industry. 

“The Metzger endowment is inspired by his experience as a student at SDSU and the care and mentorship he received from Wayne Knabach. Through this transformative contribution, Metzgers have also recognized the powerful role our faculty play in shaping lives and futures of our students.”