As we celebrate 100 years of the department of electrical and computer engineering at UNB, we are proud to recognize the alumni who built its legacy. Throughout 2026, we will share profiles and stories highlighting the milestones and people who have shaped the department's history.
UNB electrical engineering graduates have long played important roles beyond the technical sphere. Among them are James Dineen and Kenneth Cox who stand out for careers that shaped major institutions in New Brunswick.
James Owen Dineen: Engineering education and university leadership
James Dineen (BScE’40, MScE’45) was born in Hampton, N.B., in July 1920. He received his early education at Hampton Consolidated School and at 16 years old received a Beaverbrook Scholarship to attend UNB. He completed his bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering in 1940, just as the world was entering the Second World War. He took graduate courses in electrical engineering at the University of Toronto until 1941, when he returned to UNB to complete his master of science degree in electrical engineering. The rigorous training of his engineering education prepared him to think critically, solve complex problems, and manage large-scale systems; skills that would later define his leadership style.
While a student, he received military training, which led to a part-time career as a member of the Canadian Officers Training Corps in Fredericton and Toronto. He later served as executive officer of the Beaverbrook Corps, Royal Canadian Sea Cadets; commanding officer of the Beaverbrook Sea Cadets; administrative officer of UNB Squadron, RCAF; and as commanding officer of 202 University Squadron, RCAF.
In 1942, James joined UNB as a faculty member, teaching and mentoring a new generation of engineers. Over the next decades, he advanced to department head and then dean of engineering, earning a reputation for combining technical expertise with administrative judgment. On July 1, 1969, following President Colin Mackay’s resignation, he became acting president of UNB, and was named university president on Jan. 1, 1970. His tenure occurred during a time of significant social and educational change, including expanding enrolment, increased diversity in the student body, and evolving expectations for research and public engagement. His leadership helped guide UNB through this transformative period, ensuring that the institution maintained stability while adapting to new challenges.
Two years later, on June 30, 1972, he resigned that post due to ill health, but continued to teach until May 1975.
Beyond the presidency, James remained deeply connected to UNB. His papers and correspondence, preserved in university archives, provide insight into mid-20th-century governance, academic policy, and leadership strategies. Scholarships and awards established in his name continue to support students, reflecting his lifelong commitment to education and mentorship.
He served as chair of the electricians examining board, of the education committee of the Association of Professional Engineers of New Brunswick and of the advisory committee on electrical technology for the provincial department of education; chief examiner of the Electrical Construction Trade; member of both the Fredericton Town Planning Commission and District Planning Commission; and as a member of the New Brunswick Higher Education Commission.
His work earned him recognition. He was elected Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada and was named first recipient of the C. C. Kirby Award from the Association of Professional Engineers of New Brunswick and an honorary member of the Canadian Institute of Surveying. In 1974, the Engineering Institute of Canada awarded him the Julian Smith Medal for achievement in the development of Canada.
Kenneth Victor Cox: Engineering vision and telecommunications transformation
Born and raised in Saint John, N.B., Kenneth Cox (BScE’42, DSc’75) completed his bachelor of science in electrical engineering in 1942. His early career coincided with a time when electrical engineering was crucial to national defence, communication systems, and industrial modernization.
Kenneth’s career bridged engineering expertise and executive leadership. He rose through the ranks at the New Brunswick Telephone Company (later NBTel), ultimately serving as president, CEO, and chairman of the board. Under his leadership, NBTel became an early adopter of digital switching, fibre optics, and advanced data transmission, long before many other jurisdictions in Canada. These investments positioned New Brunswick as a leader in telecommunications and laid the groundwork for future information technology and high-tech employment hubs in Fredericton and Saint John.
Beyond technology, he shaped corporate governance and public enterprise. As president and chairman of Bruncor Inc., he oversaw multiple Crown corporations, promoting professional management, strategic planning, and accountability. He recognized that communications infrastructure was more than a utility. It was an engine for economic development, education, and global connectivity. Nationally, he served on advisory boards and contributed to telecommunications policy, reinforcing New Brunswick’s role as a forward-looking province in both technology and public enterprise.
Kenneth maintained a lifelong relationship with UNB, supporting initiatives for students and faculty. His contributions were recognized with an honorary doctor of science in 1975 and induction into the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame, highlighting his lasting impact on both the province’s economy and technological landscape.
A shared legacy
Though their careers unfolded in different sectors, James Dineen and Kenneth Cox exemplify how an engineering education at UNB prepares graduates not only to master complex systems, but also to lead institutions that shape society.
