Thomas Kurtz and John Kemeny- The College that Hosted Their Pioneering Professors
What college were Thomas Kurtz and John Kemeny professors in? This question leads us to the Dartmouth College, where these two computer science pioneers made significant contributions to the field of computing. Dartmouth College, located in Hanover, New Hampshire, has a rich history of academic excellence, and Kurtz and Kemeny’s tenure there has left an indelible mark on the institution.
Thomas Kurtz and John Kemeny were both faculty members at Dartmouth College during the late 1960s and early 1970s. They were instrumental in the development of the BASIC programming language and the creation of the first time-sharing system for personal computers. Their work at Dartmouth College not only advanced the field of computer science but also paved the way for the personal computer revolution that would follow.
In 1964, Kurtz and Kemeny joined Dartmouth College as assistant professors of mathematics. They quickly became interested in the emerging field of computer science and recognized the potential for personal computers to revolutionize education. Their vision led to the creation of Dartmouth Time-Sharing System (DTSS), which was the first time-sharing system designed for personal computers.
The DTSS was launched in 1969, and it allowed multiple users to access a computer simultaneously. This was a groundbreaking concept at the time, as it made computing more accessible to a wider audience. Kurtz and Kemeny’s work on the DTSS was not only innovative but also practical, as it provided a platform for students and faculty to use computers for research and education.
One of the most significant outcomes of their work at Dartmouth College was the development of the BASIC programming language. In 1964, Kemeny and Kurtz, along with colleague Thomas Eugene Kurtz, designed a simple, user-friendly programming language that could be used by non-experts. They called it BASIC, which stands for Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code.
BASIC quickly gained popularity and became the standard programming language for personal computers. It was used in schools, businesses, and homes around the world, making computer programming more accessible to a broader audience. The success of BASIC can be attributed to its simplicity and ease of use, which was a direct result of Kurtz and Kemeny’s efforts at Dartmouth College.
Thomas Kurtz and John Kemeny’s time as professors at Dartmouth College was marked by innovation, collaboration, and a passion for education. Their work on the DTSS and the BASIC programming language has had a lasting impact on the field of computer science and the way we interact with technology today.
Dartmouth College has much to be proud of in having these two remarkable individuals on its faculty. Kurtz and Kemeny’s contributions to the field of computer science have not only shaped the institution’s legacy but have also helped to define the modern world we live in. As we reflect on their achievements, it is clear that their time as professors at Dartmouth College was a pivotal moment in the history of computing.
