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K-State Today

June 17, 2014

College of Arts & Sciences reappoints Eric Maatta as chemistry department head

Submitted by Tom Roesler

Eric Maatta has been reappointed as head of the chemistry department in the College of Arts & Sciences.

"Eric brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role as department head," said Peter Dorhout, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. "He has led the department with the highest standards, hired great faculty and been a supporter and promoter of graduate and undergraduate students, alike."

Maatta joined the chemistry department faculty as an assistant professor in 1981, before becoming an associate professor in 1987 and full professor in 1991. In 2004, Maatta was selected to serve as department head.

Maatta earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Carnegie-Mellon University before earning his doctorate from Indiana University in 1980. In his career, Maatta has been a consultant for EXXON Chemical Co., Chemat Technology Inc. and the Honda Research Institute, as well as an invited professor at the University of Paris and the University of Rennes. He also has been an active member of the American Chemical Society, including serving on the American Chemical Society National Awards Selection Committee and as alternate councilor for the American Chemical Society Division of Inorganic Chemistry.

Maatta's teaching record has been recognized throughout his career, including the K-State Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award, the CONOCO Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, and the College of Arts & Sciences William L. Stamey Teaching Award.

The chemistry department offers bachelor's degree programs in chemistry and chemical science, as well as an academic minor. The department offers graduate programs leading to master's and doctoral degrees in analytical, biological, inorganic, materials, organic and physical chemistry. K-State chemistry students have received a number of prestigious national scholarships, including 17 Goldwater, one Rhodes, one Udall, one Truman, two Phi Kappa Phi, two Fulbright scholarships and, in the last five years, have had five National Science Foundation Graduate Research fellowships.

"It's a pleasure to work with the terrific faculty, staff, students and alumni of the chemistry department," Maatta said. "Our students are finding great success, our extramural funding is at record levels, and the department's infrastructure is being enhanced. Great things lie ahead, and I'm excited to be a part of it."