# W. Donald Frazer > American computer scientist **Wikidata**: [Q136536499](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136536499) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/w-donald-frazer ## Summary W. Donald Frazer is an American computer scientist and business executive known for his contributions to the field of computer science, particularly during his tenure at IBM and later at Teradata. He earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign and played a significant role in advancing computer technology and business leadership in the tech industry. ## Biography - **Born**: January 9, 1937, in Tampa, Florida, United States - **Nationality**: American - **Education**: - Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Princeton University (1959) - Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (1963) - Attended Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School - **Known for**: Contributions to computer science and leadership in technology corporations - **Employer(s)**: - IBM (1963–1988) - Teradata (from 1988) - **Field(s)**: Computer science, electrical engineering, business leadership ## Contributions W. Donald Frazer has made notable contributions to computer science and technology leadership. During his time at IBM (1963–1988), he worked on advancing computer systems and technologies, though specific projects or publications from this period are not detailed in the source material. His transition to Teradata in 1988 marked a shift into business leadership, where he likely contributed to the company's growth in data warehousing and analytics solutions. Frazer's academic background, including his Ph.D. under the advisement of mathematician David E. Muller, underscores his strong foundation in theoretical and applied computer science. His career reflects a blend of technical expertise and executive leadership, influencing both corporate and academic spheres. ## FAQs ### Q: What is W. Donald Frazer known for? A: W. Donald Frazer is known for his work as a computer scientist and business executive, particularly during his long tenure at IBM and later at Teradata. His contributions span both technical and leadership roles in the technology sector. ### Q: Where did W. Donald Frazer earn his Ph.D.? A: He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign in 1963, under the advisement of David E. Muller. ### Q: What companies has W. Donald Frazer worked for? A: Frazer worked at IBM from 1963 to 1988 and then joined Teradata in 1988. ### Q: What was W. Donald Frazer's educational background? A: He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Princeton University (1959) and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (1963). ### Q: What is W. Donald Frazer's nationality? A: He is an American citizen. ## Why They Matter W. Donald Frazer's career bridges the gap between academic research and industry leadership in computer science. His work at IBM during a formative period in computing history likely contributed to the development of foundational technologies. His transition to Teradata, a leader in data warehousing, highlights his ability to adapt and lead in evolving technological landscapes. Frazer's academic training under David E. Muller, a notable mathematician, further cements his influence in both theoretical and applied domains. Without his contributions, the trajectory of computer science and corporate technology leadership might have differed significantly, particularly in the areas of data management and systems engineering. ## Notable For - Earning a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign under David E. Muller. - Long-term tenure at IBM (1963–1988), contributing to computer science and technology development. - Leadership role at Teradata, a major player in data warehousing and analytics. - Academic background from prestigious institutions like Princeton University and the University of Illinois. ## Body ### Early Life and Education W. Donald Frazer was born on January 9, 1937, in Tampa, Florida. He attended Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School before pursuing higher education. Frazer earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Princeton University in 1959. He then completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign in 1963, where he was advised by David E. Muller, a prominent mathematician and computer scientist. ### Career at IBM Frazer joined IBM in 1963, where he spent 25 years contributing to the company's advancements in computer science and technology. While specific projects or publications from his time at IBM are not detailed in the source material, his long tenure suggests significant involvement in the company's research and development efforts during a critical period in computing history. ### Transition to Teradata In 1988, Frazer left IBM to join Teradata, a company specializing in data warehousing and analytics solutions. His move to Teradata marked a shift from technical research to business leadership, where he likely played a key role in shaping the company's strategic direction and growth in the data management industry. ### Academic and Professional Influence Frazer's academic background, particularly his Ph.D. work under David E. Muller, underscores his strong foundation in theoretical and applied computer science. His career reflects a blend of technical expertise and executive leadership, influencing both corporate and academic spheres in the field of computer science. ## Schema Markup ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "W. Donald Frazer", "jobTitle": "Computer Scientist", "worksFor": [ {"@type": "Organization", "name": "Teradata"}, {"@type": "Organization", "name": "IBM"} ], "nationality": {"@type": "Country", "name": "United States"}, "birthDate": "1937-01-09", "birthPlace": "Tampa, United States", "alumniOf": [ {"@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "Princeton University"}, {"@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign"}, {"@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School"} ], "knowsAbout": ["Computer Science", "Electrical Engineering"], "description": "American computer scientist and business executive known for his contributions to technology and leadership at IBM and Teradata." } ## References 1. [IBM Systems Journal. 1979](https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=5388002) 2. [Source](https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/11/14/People-in-Business/4913595486800/)