Raleigh, N.C.—The Department of Materials Science and Engineering shares with great sorrow the passing of alum Dr. John Palmour on Sunday, November 13, 2022. 

John was one of the founders of Cree, Inc./Wolfspeed and served as its Chief of Technology. John earned his B.S. in 1982 and his Ph.D. in 1988 and was inducted into the MSE Hall of Fame in 2015. John was also a recipient of the College of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award. 

John was a strong supporter and advocate for the department, college, and university.

Wolfspeed is hosting the celebration of life on Sunday, January 22, 2023. This page will be updated as more information is shared.