The Start of Academic Computer Research, Forming a Computer Science Center at the University of Maryland Annals of the history of Computing

Jack Minker

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Abstract

Computing as a University of Maryland-wide activity started February 1,1962 Dr. Werner C. Rheinboldt was hired as Director of the Computer Science Center. I trace the beginning of computing at Maryland starting with the use of computers in the late 1940s and the first courses on computing. I describe events leading to the hiring of Rheinboldt, the formation of the Computer Science Center, Rheinboldt's objectives to provide a computation facility, with research and educational components, and how those objectives were achieved. I discuss the role of Mr. John Menard, Assistant Director of the Center and the accomplishments of Dr. William F. Atchison as Director of the Center, following Rheinboldt's resignation as Director in 1965. Also discussed are the education program in computer science and developments leading to the start of the Department of Computer Science on July 1, 1973. A companion paper, \cite{Minker04:hist-dept}, describes the starting years in the Department.