A portrait of John Crompton's career: running a marathon at quarter mile pace

摘要

When asked by Metin Kozak to write a biography of John Crompton, I was both honoured andapprehensive. I was honoured as I could not have more respect for another human being than Ido for John; apprehensive as I often refer to John as the Pope of our field. Some of his officialtitles at Texas A&M include: University Distinguished Professor, Regents Professor,Presidential Professor of Teaching Excellence, and Senior Fellow. As the grad student of oneof his grad students (Sheila Backman), I not only know John as a friend, mentor, andextraordinary athlete, but also asmy academic “grandpa”. I have thus been influenced by Johnboth directly through my time working with him and indirectly through Sheila.