Gene Cilento, Glen H. Hiner Dean of the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University, issued the following statement Sunday on the death of Dr. Christopher J. Bise, Robert E. Murray Chairman of Mining Engineering:

“I am saddened by the news that my good friend and colleague, Chris Bise, died unexpectedly while attending the SME Conference in Denver, Colorado. Chris joined WVU in 2006 and under his leadership the Department of Mining Engineering grew from 40 majors to 101. He was a great advocate for the mining profession. Chris advanced the Department while serving as chair. He worked diligently to increase communications within the Department, the College, the University, and alumni, and also established a study abroad program in China for our students. While he recently resigned his position to accept an exciting opportunity in Australia, his commitment to his students at WVU continued: he planned to return in May to attend commencement. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

-WVU-

gc/02/15/15

CONTACT: Mary Dillon; WVU Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
304.293.4086; Mary.Dillon@mail.wvu.edu

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