Harbert S. and Jane R. established this lectureship to encourage specialization of engineering education in the commercial/technical field.

Harbert Gregory was the founder of Gregory-Salisbury and Company, Inc., and was the chairman and chief executive officer of Electrical Equipment, Inc. He graduated from Leon High School in Tallahassee, FL and earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Florida in 1938. Harbert and Jane had five children.

Harbert passed away on February 13, 2006. Jane passed away in February of 2010.