ALUMNUS NAMED NEW DEAN OF COLLEGE OF SCIENCES
Richard V. Gregory, director of the School of Materials Science and Engineering and professor of polymer science at Clemson University, has been named dean of the College of Sciences at Old Dominion University, Provost Thomas Isenhour announced today. His appointment is effective July 25.
"Dick Gregory is a fine scientist, teacher and administrator," Provost Thomas L. Isenhour said. "He will be a dynamic leader for the College of Sciences and an excellent addition to our senior administrative staff."
Gregory, an ODU alumnus, joined Clemson as an assistant professor in the School of Textiles, Fiber and Polymer Science in 1990 and became an associate professor in 1994. He served as director of the School of Textiles, Fiber and Polymer Science from 1998-2001. He has served as the Thrust II leader of the National Science Foundation Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers and Films since 1998 and director of the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Clemson since 2001.
With 14 years of academic experience, Gregory is a prolific researcher and dedicated teacher. He has written four books, more than 40 articles published in various journals and more than 80 papers reviewed at professional conference proceedings. He has conducted 10 sponsored research projects and 19 presentations. Gregory has had six U.S. patents and two foreign patents issued with five patents pending. He has advised 25 post doctoral, doctoral and masters students throughout his tenure.
Gregory was awarded the Clemson University Outstanding Faculty Award for Excellence in the Sciences in 2002; the Scientific Excellence Award, Department of Commerce, National Textile Center in 2002; and the SEAM Award, Brooklyn Polytechnic University, Hermann Mark Polymer Institute in 2001.
Gregory received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Old Dominion in 1980 and doctorate in physical chemistry from Clemson in 1984.
He is a member of the American Chemical Society, New York Academy of Sciences, Material Research Society and American Physical Society. He was elected to the board of the Society of Plastics Engineers and served as technical program chair from 1998-2000.
Gregory, whose appointment is subject to approval by ODU's Board of Visitors, will succeed Joe Rule, who has served as interim dean of the College of Sciences since December 2002.