OLD DOMINION PROFESSOR NAMED DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR BY VA. ASSOCIATION

Leonard I. Ruchelman of Virginia Beach, eminent professor of urban studies and public administration at Old Dominion University, was designated a Distinguished Scholar in Public Administration at a recent meeting of the Virginia Social Science Association in Lexington, Va.

The award recognizes Ruchelman's 40 years of teaching, research and service at Old Dominion, as well as West Virginia University and Lehigh University.

Ruchelman, who earned his doctoral degree from Columbia University, has published seven books, two monographs and 28 articles and received numerous research grants. Among his works is a book titled "The World Trade Center: Politics and Policies of Skyscraper Development," published in 1977. His most recent book, published in 2000, is titled "Cities in the Third Wave: The Technological Transformation of Urban America."

Ruchelman came to Old Dominion University in 1975 to become the chair of the new Department of Urban Studies and Public Administration. In his 15 years as chair, Old Dominion made major strides in working with local governments on research and service projects.

Ruchelman also has held the position of director of the Center for Urban and Regional Research, as well as president of the Tidewater chapter of the American Society of Public Administration.