RADFORD – Radford University has named biologist Orion Rogers founding dean of the College of Science and Technology.

“I am honored to be selected as dean of the College of Science and Technology.  I look forward to the stimulating work of founding a new college that rises from solid foundations while pursuing my professional passion of facilitating academic and professional success in students and faculty members,” says Rogers.

In May 2007, the College of Science and Technology (CST) was created from RU’s College of Information Science and Technology and College of Arts and Sciences.  The new College of Science and Technology includes the disciplines of information technology, mathematics, statistics, geology, biology, chemistry and physics.

Rogers began his RU career in 1994 as an assistant professor.  Since then, he was promoted to associate professor, full professor, chair of the biology department and, most recently, interim associate dean of the College of Science and Technology. 

“Dr. Rogers is an outstanding professor, mentor and scientist.  We have been fortunate to have him in our faculty and administrative ranks for the last 14 years.  I look forward to seeing him lead the College of Science and Technology faculty and students toward a future of exciting classroom accomplishments and professional achievements,” says RU provost Wil Stanton.

Rogers’ research specialty is developmental physiology.  He mentors students who are interested in learning histological techniques and determining the influence of retinoids on the differentiation of cultured embryonic chick intestine.  His collaboration with RU biologist Mark Cline and RU biology majors have resulted in three papers published in the journals Behavioural Brain Research, Neuropeptides, and Regulatory Peptides in the past year.

“I view my new role as a facilitator to bring out the best in everyone, and I am excited to be at the nexus of faculty creativity, student achievement and administrative initiatives,” says Rogers.  He looks forward to assisting in the development of new opportunities through articulation agreements and outreach efforts. Rogers also plans to establish a Dean’s Student Advisory Council to solicit input from the college’s majors and a Professional Advisory Council to establish and enhance partnerships with museums, scientific companies and information technology industries.

Radford University offers a diverse curriculum of more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs focused on student achievement and career preparation. A student body of 9,122 studies in seven colleges: Business and Economics, Education and Human Development, Humanities and Behavioral Sciences, Science and Technology, Visual and Performing Arts, Waldron College of Health and Human Services, and the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. RU is located in the scenic New River Valley near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwest Virginia.