John Orvis Keller (1893-1963) was a Penn State alumni, engineering professor, university administrator, and World War I veteran. Keller was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvaniaa. He received a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering in 1914 and a master's degree in engineering in 1919, both from Pennsylvania State College. During World War I, Keller served as a second lieutenant in Army Ordinance. In 1916, Keller joined the Penn State faculty as an instructor of industrial engineering. In 1919, he became an assistant professor; in 1921, an associate professor; and in 1922, department head. In 1925 Keller took charge of the engineering extension program; in 1934 he became Assistant to the President in Charge of Extension. In 1950 he became Director of General Extension. He retired with emeritus status in 1953. Keller was an active member of many organizations, including: the National University Extension Association; American Association for Adult Education; National Committee on Education and Defense; Penn State Education Association; American Society of Safety Engineers; National Society of Professional Engineers; American Association of University Professors; and various subcommittees of the Joint Army and Navy Committee on Welfare and Recreation. Keller died unexpectedly on July 25, 1963. The J. Orvis Keller Building, dedicated in 1966, was named in his honor.
From the description of J. Orvis Keller scrapbook, 1911-1945. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 556229530
