A familys planned gift to West Virginia University will established the Dr. Robert L. Carroll Chair in Physics in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. The intent is to honor this WVU alumnus who made significant contributions to science and to provide the Department of Physics with resources to continue Carrolls interest in scientific inquiry into the fundamental principles of physics.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Physics Department to expand our research facilities and to gather a nucleus of esteemed research faculty,”said Larry Halliburton, professor and chair of physics.
Carroll, a native of The Three Lakes, Wash., spent his youth in Fairmont, W.Va., obtained an A.B. in education from Fairmont State College, a M.S. in mathematics and a Ph.D. in mathematical physics from WVU . He was inducted into the prestigious Sigma Pi Sigma honorary in 1941.
Carroll published more than 30 articles and books, the most notable being The Aerodynamics of Powered Flight, while garnering numerous awards like the American Men of Science, and Two Thousand Men of Achievement. He served in the Office of Chief of Naval Operations in the Pentagon, and taught at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River.
“In keeping the spirit of Dr. Robert Carroll alive, the holder of this chair should be interested in a field such as condensed matter physics, laser physics, quantum optics or energy,”Halliburton said.”The primary emphasis of the chair should be discovering new knowledge through experimental investigation. The spirit of Carrolls research viewed experimental exploration as essential to further the underlying principles of physics. The primary focus of this chair will be dedicated to research and the exploration of new knowledge, because this is an investment in our young people.”
“The commitment to establish this chair in physics is a fitting way for Dr. Carrolls family to ensure his legacy and to continue his work in asking difficult questions,”said M. Duane Nellis, dean of the Eberly College.
The Department of Physics currently has 19 faculty members who span broad areas of the discipline, including condensed matter theory, plasma physics, non-linear dynamics, astrophysics, nano-scale particles, optical materials, semiconductors, magnetism and high energy theory. In addition to serving some 25 undergraduate and 40 graduate majors, the department offers a wide variety of courses for the general student body and for students majoring in chemistry, engineering and other areas.
The gift was made to the WVU Foundation in conjunction with Building Greatness Campaign: West Virginia University. The campaign is a $250 million fund-raising effort being conducted by the foundation on behalf of the university. Already, more than $130 million has been raised. A five-year campaign, it concludes Dec. 31, 2003.
The WVU Foundation is a private non-profit organization that generates, receives and administers private gifts from individuals and organizations for the benefit of West Virginia University.