Hutchinson named to head Natural and Applied Sciences
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Dr. Hutchinson |
Effective July 1, Hutchinson succeeds Dr. Linda Roberson, professor of biology, who returns to the classroom after serving as the college's founding dean since 1998.
"Ben brings to us a wealth of administrative leadership through his experiences at Pepperdine and Oklahoma Christian. He also brings a history of successful grant writing, which is vitally important for the sciences," Bledsoe said.
Two Lipscomb faculty members have been appointed to serve as interim deans while searches continue for permanent appointments. Dr. Susan Galbreath, associate professor of accounting, succeeds Dr. George Boulware in the College of Business. Dr. Michael Hammond, professor and chair of the Department of Education, succeeds Dr. Jim L. Thomas in the College of Education and Professional Studies.
Boulware and Thomas have also served since 1998 as founding deans of their colleges. Boulware, Purity Dairies Distinguished Professor of Business Administration, will return to the classroom full time. Thomas has been appointed interim vice president of enrollment and marketing at Lipscomb.
Hammond will continue as director of the Teacher Education Program. Dr. Candace McQueen, assistant professor of education, has been elevated to chair the department, Bledsoe said.
"These three deans set the standard for their colleges and established the concept of 'dean' on campus because there were none before they were appointed. Each has shaped the character of his or her college. They have served for six years, have contributed significantly, and I am going to miss them in this role," Bledsoe said.
Hutchinson served as dean of the College of Science and Engineering at Oklahoma Christian from 1998-2003 before being appointed international programs sponsor and overseeing OC's Vienna facility. He was chair of the Natural Science Division of Pepperdine University from 1992-1998, and served both universities as professor of chemistry. He taught at Abilene Christian University from 1969-1990, rising from assistant professor to professor rank.
Hutchinson said he was attracted to Lipscomb because of its tradition of quality in the sciences, addition of degrees in environmental science and engineering, the university's commitment to model, teach and apply Christian service through sciences and engineering, and its potential to make "significant contributions" to the church, educational community and society.
"The College of Natural and Applied Sciences at Lipscomb, especially its faculty, has garnered the respect of peer institutions. The acceptance and success of its graduates in professional and schools speaks well for the students and the experiences they obtained with the faculty in the college. The quality and loyalty of these graduates provides unique opportunities for continued growth of the college," Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson earned his B.S. in chemistry from ACU in 1963, the M.A. in inorganic chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin in 1965, and the Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1970.
Lipscomb established five colleges during an academic restructuring in 1998. The colleges include Arts and Humanities, Bible and Ministry, Business, Education and Professional Studies, and Natural and Applied Sciences.