Born: June 9, 1917; Died: May 22, 1995; Received a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University in 1949, a master's degree from Michigan State University in 1954, and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University in 1965. Dr. Keith taught in the public schools in Lansing, Michigan prior to his appointment as a professor at Kent State University in 1954.

At Kent State University Dr. Keith served as the Coordinator of Industrial Technology, Director of the School of Technology, and as Assistant Dean of the College of Fine and Professional Arts. While at Kent State University he served as the advisor of the Student Chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. He served a total of 30 years at Kent State University and retired as an Emeritus Professor in 1983. Dr. Keith was 77 at the time of his death.

In 1965, Dr. Keith brought to the Kent campus representatives form across the nation to discuss issues related to the emerging discipline of Industrial Technology. This group continued to meet annually and in 1967 was organized as the National Association of Industrial Technology with Dr. Keith as the first President. Dr. Keith continued to attend annual conventions and support the development of the National Association of Industrial Technology until shortly before his death. Dr. Charles Keith is often referred to affectionately as the "Father of NAIT."