Dennis Mickunas

Dennis Mickunas is a former faculty member of the University of Illinois' Department of Computer Science, part of the College of Engineering. He joined the university in 1973 after earning his BS from the Illinois Institute of Technology (1969) and MS/PhD from Purdue University (1971/1973). His research focused on programming languages, compilers, dynamic security policies, and component-based operating systems. He co-authored An Introduction to Computer Science Using Java (2001), 38 refereed papers, and 37 technical reports.

Mickunas held leadership roles including Associate Head of the CS Department (2000–2004) and served as an assistant dean in the College of Engineering. He was a co-founder of Small Systems Services Corporation (1977), developed the first Fortran compiler for the IBM PC (1981), and led additional entrepreneurial ventures. Recognized for advising, he received awards such as the Anderson Consulting Advising Award (2000).

Post-retirement in 2004, he earned a law degree (J.D., cum laude, 2006) and practices law in Illinois and Florida, focusing on personal injury, consumer fraud, and estate planning.