Dale J. Brugh, professor of chemistry, has been appointed as Ohio Wesleyan University’s associate dean for innovation, a new position providing faculty leadership in OWU’s continuous effort to enhance the academic experience for students, according to university officials.
In his new role, Brugh will research and evaluate the impact of potential new academic programs, advise the university on ways to streamline academic policies and practices, promote the use of new time-saving technologies, and contribute to institutional research.
“I look forward to helping faculty translate their ideas into changes that make Ohio Wesleyan University better able to serve current and future students,” said Brugh, a member of the OWU faculty since 1999.
Brugh will report to Provost Charles L. Stinemetz.
“As Ohio Wesleyan’s first associate dean for innovation, Dale brings a unique combination of creativity, reasoning and experience to the position,” said Stinemetz, himself an Ohio Wesleyan graduate.
“Dale’s recent work as chair of the Faculty Personnel Committee highlights his ability to both implement policy revision and apply technology to allow for more efficient processes,” Stinemetz said. “In addition, Dale has experience using admission data to evaluate the potential impact of existing and new academic majors on the student experience.”
As a professor, Brugh teaches courses in general chemistry, physical chemistry, electronic spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. His research involves determining the geometric and electronic structure of small, novel molecules isolated in the gas phase using spectroscopic and computational techniques. He also focuses on using computational chemistry as a context for teaching undergraduates.
Brugh earned his undergraduate degree at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, and his doctoral degree in physical chemistry at the University of Utah. Before joining Ohio Wesleyan, he served as a National Research Council post-doctoral fellow at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, where he studied small molecules with microwave spectroscopy.
