Allan M. Smillie Scholarship 

History and Purpose

The Allan M. Smillie Scholarship was established in 2025 to honor the life, accomplishments, and lasting impact of Dr. Allan Meikle Smillie, a respected leader in the steel industry known for both his technical expertise and his genuine compassion for those around him. This scholarship, made possible through the generosity of Allan's family, seeks to support the next generation of professionals in the field of metallurgy and steel production, especially those who share Allan's passion for advancing the industry with integrity, innovation, and dedication. Throughout a distinguished career that spanned over 30 years, Allan made profound contributions to secondary metallurgy, mentoring numerous individuals, and advancing scientific understanding while fostering a culture of collaboration and respect within the industry. The scholarship carries forward Allan’s legacy of excellence, mentorship, and commitment to both the science and the people behind steel production.

About Allan M. Smillie

Allan Meikle Smillie was born on January 9, 1944, in Glasgow, Scotland, to Alexander and Jeanie. He grew up in Hamilton, Scotland, and developed a love for science early on, which led him to attend the University of Glasgow. Graduating in 1965 with first-class honors in Applied Chemistry, he continued his academic journey with a Ph.D. from the University of Strathclyde, focusing on titanium-oxygen interactions in molten steel. His groundbreaking research laid the foundation for a remarkable career in steel, beginning with his work at the Graham Research Center of Jones & Laughlin Steel in Pittsburgh, PA, and followed by significant contributions to the Ontario Research Foundation and companies such as Youngstown Sheet and Tube, Armco Steel, and Nucor Steel.

Over his career, Allan became a well-respected figure in the industry, co-authoring numerous papers and receiving several prestigious awards, including the AIST Benjamin F. Fairless Award in 2007. This award recognized his "boundless energy and determination to advance the understanding of secondary metallurgy," as well as his unique ability to relate to all levels of the industry, from the laboratory to the shop floor. Allan’s legacy also includes his active involvement with the Iron & Steel Society and the Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST), where he played a crucial role in shaping the future of metallurgy.

Outside of his professional life, Allan was deeply devoted to his family, his faith, and his community. A longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Middletown, Ohio, he served in various leadership roles, including Deacon, Elder, and Trustee. He was also a passionate golfer, enjoyed frequent travel—particularly back to his native Scotland—and cherished time spent with his large circle of family and friends. Allan’s warm, approachable nature made him not only a beloved mentor but also a cherished husband, father, and grandfather.

Allan passed away peacefully on October 9, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire the steel industry and those who knew him. The Allan M. Smillie Scholarship, made possible through the generosity of Allan’s family, stands as a tribute to his life’s work, his unwavering commitment to innovation and education, and his enduring impact on the individuals he mentored throughout his career.