Karl McEachron, who earned his BSEE from Purdue in 1937, has a unique history with the School of Electrical Engineering. McEachron's father received the first master's degree in electrical engineering ever awarded at Purdue and his father-in-law, G. C. Blalock, was a professor in the School.

Upon his own graduation, McEachron began a career with General Electric. While at GE, McEachron played a role in developing the wall refrigerator for the company. McEachron's career path began to change when he was selected to participate in an advanced engineering course. Upon completing the three-year course, he was appointed supervisor of the first-year course. In 1942, he became supervisor of the entire program. In 1946, he developed an advanced course in chemistry and metallurgy for the program; two years later, he was appointed manager of technical education at General Electric.

In June of 1955, McEachron accepted a position as dean of undergraduate studies at the Case Institute of Technology. In 1957 he was appointed to the position of dean of instruction; in 1964, he became vice-provost. In 1967, the Case Institute and Western Reserve University were merged and McEachron became dean of Case. From 1972 until 1974, he administered the admissions and financial aid division of the school; in 1974, he was appointed dean of undergraduate affairs. McEachron retired from his academic career in 1980.