John Saylor Coon

John Saylor Coon (November 22, 1854 – May 16, 1938) was the first Mechanical Engineering and Drawing Professor at Georgia Tech, and he was also the first chair of Georgia Tech's Mechanical Engineering Department. Coon made significant contributions to the school during his 35-year career at Georgia Tech.

Early life and education Coon was born to William C. and Susan Saylor Coon in Burdett, New York on November 22, 1854. Coon received his early education at Burdett public schools and Claverack Academy. He earned a bachelor's and a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Cornell University in 1877. When he was a student at Cornell, Coon built an engine and a dynamo electric machine, the first one built in the United States. Both the engine and dynamo were demonstrated at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876.

Early career Coon served as an instructor in mechanical engineering at Cornell following graduation. He then worked for several different employers including E. D. Leavitt in New York, Calumet and Hecla Mining Company in Boston, and the Anaconda Copper Company in Montana. Mechanical engineering was the only degree offered at Tech during the school's early years. He was also the first chair of the Mechanical Engineering department. Coon emphasized a balance between the shop and the classroom. It was originally called the New Shop Building since it served as the home for shops and the mechanical engineering department. The building is located on the western boundary of the Georgia Institute of Technology Historic District on Cherry Street across from Tech Tower, and it is included in the 12-building area listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Coon Building underwent an extensive $9.1 million renovation during 2001 through 2003 time frame. The interior of the building was modernized during the renovation project. However, the interior re-design preserved many of the building's original characteristics. This building is currently the home for the school of Psychology, and it was dedicated to Coon following his retirement.

Later years and death Coon retired in 1923 after serving 35 years at Georgia Tech and he moved to Canandaigua, New York. Coon died on May 16, 1938.