Thursday, February 20, 2003

WILMINGTON, NC – Dr. Robert Roer was approved as dean of the Graduate School at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. His appointment was confirmed at the Feb. 14 meeting of the UNC Board of Governors.

“It is an honor and responsibility to carry on the fine work of my predecessors Eric Bolen and Neil Hadley,” said Roer. “I look forward to continuing to promote the growth of UNCW’s graduate programs.”

In addition to increasing enrollment and improving graduate program offerings, Roer said he plans to explore forming additional partnerships with local businesses to offer specific degrees similar to the university’s arrangement with aaiPharma. UNCW is offering a Master of Science in chemistry to about 20 aaiPharma employees each year – at their work site and paid for by the company.

“Dr. Roer’s expertise, experience and commitment will continue to benefit the university. Under his leadership, graduate studies at UNCW will continue to strengthen,” said Dr. Paul Hosier, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UNCW. Hosier appointed Roer interim dean in July 2002.

Roer, who earned a Ph.D. in zoology at Duke University, joined UNCW in 1979. During his tenure, Roer achieved the rank of professor in the UNCW Department of Biological Sciences and served as research physiologist at the Center for Marine Science. He also served as assistant director of CMS and assistant chair for graduate studies. In recognition of his work with graduate students, Roer was one of the two inaugural recipients of the Graduate Mentor Award in 2000. An active scholar/researcher, Roer has received almost $3 million in grants, has published more than 30 articles and has given numerous presentations at national and international seminars and symposia.



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For more information, contact Dr. Roer at 910/962-4117.