Michael H. Kutner, an ASA member for more than 55 years, was recently honored by the Emory University Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics by recording an interview that will be archived at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.
Kutner is an emeritus professor at Emory and earned his doctoral degree from the Texas A&M University Department of Statistics in 1971. A distinguished biostatistician, teacher, mentor, and consultant, he is an ASA Fellow and the recipient of the ASA Founders Award for service and leadership. In 2004, he became an Emory Rollins Endowed Professor of Biostatistics. He has also received the ASA’s W. J. Dixon Award for Excellence in Statistical Consulting and the ASA’s Mentoring Award for his superb mentoring skills.
One important area of leadership has been his work on improving the statistical process by helping other statisticians consult and become mentors. Kutner was the recipient of the ASA’s prestigious Karl E. Peace Award for Outstanding Statistical Contributions for the Betterment of Society. This award was established in 2012 to recognize substantial contributions to the statistical profession and to society.
Kutner is the lead author of two highly cited foundational textbooks: Applied Linear Regression Models and Applied Linear Statistical Models. ALSM is considered by many biostatisticians, statisticians, and data analysts as a leading authoritative text and reference in the fields of regression, analysis of variance, and design of experiments. Many major research universities in the US and across the world have adopted these textbooks into their training programs. The texts provide a central resource for introducing individuals to the application of statistical methods in business schools, agriculture programs, pre-medicine curricula, and other graduate programs.
A few years ago, Kutner received the following email from a faculty member in Canada who wrote that they seriously considered three other regression books for their class, but once they started reading them in depth, they saw that ALRM had the right balance of a solid mathematical foundation, thorough coverage of the application of statistics without going overboard, and great homework questions. The email went on to mention that his book was awe-inspiring and well-written, and they planned to use it for years to come.
Watch the interview on YouTube.

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