William John Goudie was born on 6 November 1868 in Girvan, South Ayrshire. His father was a grocer. He was educated at Girvan Parish School and Kilmarnock Academy, East Ayrshire. He went on to study at the University of Glasgow . He graduated BSc 1895 , DSc 1919 , and LLD 1939 . Whilst at the University of Glasgow he became involved in the University Orchestral Society. He trained as a mechanical engineer in the works of the Glasgow & South Western Railway Co , Kilmarnock. In 1884 he gained experience in a marine consulting engineer's service. In 1907 he became an assistant professor at University College London , England. In 1919 he was appointed as the professor of Theory and Practice of Heat Engines (James Watt Chair) for the University of Glasgow; the title was later changed to the James Watt Chair of Mechanical Engineering. He held this post until 1938 . His publications include: Steam Turbines (1922), and various papers in the technical press. He died on the 4 October 1945 .
Source: Who's Who , (1929, London)
From the guide to the Papers of Professor William John Goudie, 1868-1945, James Watt Chair of Mechanical Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, 1886-1939, (Glasgow University Archive Services)
