SCIENCES DEAN NAMED OLD DOMINION PROVOST
Thomas L. Isenhour of Norfolk, dean of the College of Sciences at Old Dominion University, has been named the university's provost and vice president for academic affairs.
In his current position since 2000, Isenhour will begin his new duties Jan. 1. The university's Board of Visitors approved the appointment today.
President Roseann Runte, who announced the appointment, said, "He has the degrees, the experience at the level of dean and provost at a number of universities, experience with a granting council, international experience, a record of diversity and, as a playwright, is sensitive to the arts. Dr. Isenhour has been an excellent dean while at Old Dominion and has worked tirelessly for the university."
As dean at Old Dominion, Isenhour has overseen the implementation of tutorial programs in biology, chemistry, computer science and math for undergraduates; the implementation of five-year B.S./M.B.A. programs for majors in those fields and psychology; and the creation of the Center for Computational Science, a facility which houses cross-disciplinary, high-powered computing research in the sciences. The center has conducted research funded by the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation.
Isenhour said he considers increased collegiality within the college and with other colleges at Old Dominion, improved student retention and the growth in interdisciplinary research as among his most significant accomplishments at Old Dominion.
"Old Dominion University is becoming a finer institution almost daily," he noted. "It will be a thrill to work with all the academic programs through the Office of Academic Affairs. I am excited and honored to join President Runte's fine administrative team."
Isenhour served as professor and chair of the chemistry and biochemistry department at Duquesne University, in Pittsburgh, from 1994-2000. He was dean of arts and sciences (1987-90) and professor of chemistry (1987-94) at Kansas State University, and served as provost and professor of science at the American University in Bulgaria in 1992-93. He also has held academic and administrative positions at Utah State University, the University of North Carolina and the National Science Foundation.
During his career, Isenhour has taught general and honors chemistry, history of science, undergraduate and graduate analytical chemistry, and environmental science, and has directed 28 doctoral dissertations and eight master's theses. He has published more than 180 professional papers, books and editorials and served as plenary lecturer at three international meetings.
Isenhour received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina and a doctorate in chemistry from Cornell University. He participated in the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University in 1989.