University News

Culver, professor of biology, has chaired the department since 2010. She will take over from Joanna Olmsted, who is stepping down after seven years as dean of the school.

Danielle Benoit and her fellow researchers will be serving lemonade and explaining their research in childhood cancer therapies at the 5th Annual Benoit Laboratory Lemonade Stand.

Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin will deliver the keynote address at this year's Meliora Weekend. Goodwin is the author of six best-selling books.

Aslin joined 83 inductees at the ceremony in April to become an official member of the academy—one of the highest honors given to a scientist or engineer in the United States

Daniel Weix, assistant professor of chemistry, has been selected as one of 14 Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholars for 2014, an award given to faculty members in the chemical sciences who are within the first five years of their academic careers and who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship and commitment to education.

A new report by the Center for Governmental Research (CGR) shows that the University is directly and indirectly responsible for supporting an estimated 50,300 jobs in the region. The report also finds that the new Institute for Data Science will create 460 jobs, and with 22,451 full-time-equivalent (FTE) employees, the University is the eighth largest private sector employer in the state.

Jamal Rossi came to Eastman in 2005 as senior associate dean. He served as executive associate dean at Eastman from 2007 until September 2013, when he was appointed dean of the school following the illness and resignation at that time of former Messinger Dean Douglas Lowry.

Bruce Bashwiner has been named associate vice president for University Facilities and Services. His appointment began on May 1, and he succeeds Richard Pifer, who recently announced his retirement after nearly 15 years at the University.

Joanna Olmsted will step down as dean of the School of Arts and Sciences on July 1 after two decades of University leadership. “Joanna has contributed immeasurably to the progress that has been made in strengthening arts, sciences, and engineering, and we are hugely in her debt,” says Peter Lennie, provost and the Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering.

Ainslie has been senior associate dean, full-time MBA program, at UCLA Anderson School of Management since 2010. The appointment, subject to Board approval, is effective after Dean Mark Zupan’s term ends on June 30.

Optics professor David Williams, a leading experts on human vision, has been named a member of the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of his continuing achievements in original research. The honor is one of the highest given to a scientist in the United States.

Barry M. Meyer ’64, longtime Warner Bros. Entertainment executive, will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree at the 164th commencement ceremonies. Others recognized for outstanding contributions will receive honorary degrees, Hutchison Medals for exemplary service, and awards for scholarship and teaching.