Rodemeyer named Honors College director

by John Zelezny

Chemistry Professor Stephen Rodemeyer on Jan. 4 assumed his new role as director of the Smittcamp Family Honors College, just in time to witness a barrage of student applications.

Total applications numbered 485 for next fall's inaugural Honors College class of 50 freshmen, with about two-thirds of the applications coming in during the first two weeks of January. Rodemeyer said the quality of many of the applicants is "incredible."

The selection process will conclude in late February, he said.

The Honors College "has the potential to become the academic flagship of our university," Rodemeyer said. "It highlights the quality that we have on campus."

Rodemeyer will serve three-quarters time as director. He will also continue to teach a course in chemistry.

Top priorities over the next few months, Rodemeyer said, are to line up the honors courses and faculty for next year, to coordinate with the existing and planned honors programs in various schools and departments, and to construct an honors program for transfer students.

The Academic Senate is expected to review Honors College details during one of its meetings early this semester.

Rodemeyer arrived at Fresno State as an assistant professor in 1967 and was promoted to full professor in 1974. During most of the 1970s he served as chair of the Department of Chemistry, and in 1980-81 he served as acting dean of the School of Natural Sciences.

For many years Rodemeyer served as the university's chief premedical adviser. He also helped develop the University 1 course (Introduction to the University) and he has contributed to the Science Careers Opportunity Program, Summer Bridge, Upward Bound, and the Faculty Mentoring Program. Two years ago he chaired the university's task force on students.

Rodemeyer replaces Dr. Robert Ware, who served as the interim director of the Honors College for the past six months.