Kennesaw State dean for College of Science and Mathematics named
University of Colorado’s Mark R. Anderson brings strong administrative and research…
Georgia (Apr 25, 2012) —
University of Colorado’s Mark R. Anderson brings strong administrative and research
background to Georgia’s third-largest university
KENNESAW, Ga. (April 25, 2012)— Kennesaw State University has named Mark R. Anderson dean of the College of Science
and Mathematics, effective July 1. He succeeds Ronald Matson who has served as interim
dean of the college since July 2010.
Anderson was among a pool of 52 candidates who vied for the position in a national
search chaired by Charles Amlaner, Kennesaw State vice president for research and
dean of the Graduate College.
Currently, Anderson is professor and chairman of the Department of Chemistry at the
University of Colorado Denver, where he has served since August 2007. As chair, he
worked with the faculty to increase the number of grants and funding by 100 percent
and has seen research productivity nearly double. In addition, he implemented a new
Honors curriculum in the department and established a new biochemistry undergraduate
program. From May 2008 to December 2010, Anderson also served as faculty director
for the university’s Center for Applied Science and Mathematics for Innovation Competitiveness,
where he was responsible for promoting partnerships between the university, school
districts and the business sector.
“Mark’s vast experience as a faculty member and administrator and his strong record
as a researcher, make him the perfect fit for the College of Science and Mathematics,”
said W. Ken Harmon, provost and vice president for academic affairs at KSU. “We look
forward to welcoming Mark to Kennesaw State and know that he will work with our faculty
to further enhance our reputation as a leader in science and math.”
Prior to the University of Colorado, Anderson was associate professor of chemistry
at Virginia Tech from August 1995 to July 2007. He was recognized with two awards
for excellence in teaching. Anderson also served as graduate program director from
2004 - 2007, overseeing the progress of nearly 180 graduate students in Virginia Tech’s
chemistry department.
“Throughout the interviewing process it was evident to me that Kennesaw State is a
wonderful place to learn and work, and that the future of the university is very bright,”
said Anderson. “The passion and commitment of the faculty show that the College of
Science and Mathematics is prepared to work to create the strongest academic and intellectual
environment possible and I’m looking forward to being a part of the team.”
Anderson joins Kennesaw State just months after the university broke ground on a new
facility dedicated entirely to scientific teaching and research. The $21 million KSU
Science Lab Addition, scheduled to open in fall 2012, will enable the university to
expand course offerings and increase research opportunities for students and faculty.
The five-story, approximately 73,000-square-foot facility, which will connect with
the existing science building, will contain high-tech biology and chemistry labs,
plus faculty and administrative offices and an atrium.
Anderson earned a B.S. from Indiana University and a Ph.D. from the University of
Wisconsin. He is a member of the American Chemical Society, the Society for Electroanalytical
Chemistry, and the Electrochemical Society – where he also serves on the executive
committee for the Physical/Analytical Division of the Electrochemical Society.
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Kennesaw State University is the third-largest university in Georgia, offering 80
graduate and undergraduate degrees, including doctorates in education, business and
nursing and a new Ph.D. in international conflict management. A member of the 35-unit
University System of Georgia, Kennesaw State is a comprehensive, residential institution
with a growing population of 24,100 students from more than 130 countries.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers close to 200 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 41,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the second-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 126 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
