Jim Ott
2017 COSAM Distinguished Alumni
Dr. James William “Jim” Ott '65
Dr. Ott received a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in mathematics in 1965 and a doctorate in mathematics in 1969. His career began with Triangle Universities Computation Center, where he developed software for educational computers shared by Duke University, the University of North Carolina, and North Carolina State University. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ott was an adjunct professor in the Department of Computer Science. In 1982, Ott founded Triangle Systems, Inc., developing software for IBM mainframe computer systems. Presently, he continues to oversee the company.
A second-generation Auburn graduate, Ott’s father received a degree from Auburn in 1939.
Ott grew up in the Atlanta area and attended his first Auburn football game as a young child. He has been an avid football fan ever since.
Ott is a lifelong supporter of Auburn University and the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM). He was on the Advisory Council for Arts and Sciences until the founding of COSAM, where he has served on the Dean’s Leadership Council since 1986. Ott is a member of the Foy Society and 1856 Society at Auburn University.
In his spare time, Ott travels internationally with his wife, Sally, and spends time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoys anything related to cars, mountain hiking in the summer, and Everglades kayaking in the winter.
The Otts reside in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.