Arlan Norman to retire as dean of College of Sciences and Technology at WWU

Arlan Norman, dean of Western Washington University’s College of Sciences and Technology (CST), will be retiring from that position this summer.

“As the founding dean and through Dr. Norman’s superb leadership, the college has brought together outstanding scholarship with a strong commitment to student-engaged learning, focusing both on meaningful outreach to Whatcom County and the State of Washington,” said WWU President Bruce Shepard.

Norman has been dean of CST since 2003 and was the founding dean of the college, which was formed after a reorganization of colleges at Western in 2002.

“Launching the College of Sciences and Technology has been truly exciting. I am at a point in my career where it makes sense to devote more time to family, friends, bicycling and hiking with my wife, my community interests and the next phase of my professional activities,” Norman said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed being at Western and being a part of an effort to establish and develop the College of Sciences and Technology. I never cease to be impressed with the dedication and energy the CST faculty, students and staff bring to their departments and the College.”

Under Norman’s leadership, the college has been noted for nationally recognized research and scholarship and development of a collaborative and interdisciplinary learning environment. During his tenure, CST was involved with creation of the Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Center (AMSEC) and Biomedical Research Activities in Neuroscience (BRAIN) program and Technology Development Center (TDC). Norman also promoted diversity among both student and faculty ranks and supported area technology innovation and development through board membership on the Washington Technology Center. He fostered strong community outreach, including the quarterly Science and the UniverCity community science lecture series at Bellingham City Hall along with the other CST outreach programs, ‘Wizards at Western" lecture series for youth and the "Leaders in Their Fields,” all of which showcase CST faculty research for better public understanding of the sciences.

“We will really miss Dean Norman’s leadership, candor, diligence, good humor and friendship as he moves on to the next stage in his life. He has been a tireless advocate for the CST within the university and with so many groups within the community and State. The faculty he has recruited and retained, and the strong, informed leadership team he has formed in the college position us well for the future. For all of these reasons, we are very appreciative of Dean Norman,” said Catherine Riordan, Western’s Provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

Riordan said that a search for Norman’s successor is under way.

Norman came to Western from the University of Colorado, Bounder, where he was professor of chemistry and associate dean for natural sciences.

A North Dakota native, Norman joined the University of Colorado faculty in 1966 and was chemistry department chair from 1980-83. While at Colorado, he was a visiting professor at Pennsylvania State University, the University of Bristol in England and the joint solar chemistry program of the University of Colorado and Solar Energy Research Institute (1985-90).

Norman received his Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from Indiana University and did postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, as a Department of Energy Fellow. His bachelor’s degree in chemistry is from the University of North Dakota.

CST includes academic departments of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering Technology, Geology, Mathematics and Physics/Astronomy; the Science, Mathematics and Technology Education program; the Vehicle Research Institute, and the Advanced Materials Science (AMSEC) and Technology Development (TDC) centers. For more information please see: http://www.wwu.edu/depts/cst/.