New dean named to lead Math & Physical Sciences

COLUMBUS - Executive Vice President and Provost Edward J. Ray has recommended to the president the appointment of Richard R. Freeman as dean of the College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, effective Aug. 1, 2003, through June 30, 2008. Ohio State President Karen A. Holbrook will ask the university’s Board of Trustees to approve the appointment at its May 2 meeting.

Freeman, the Edward Teller Professor and Chair of the Department of Applied Science at the University of California at Davis, will succeed Robert Gold, who retires June 30, 2003, after seven years as dean and 35 years of service to the university.

Freeman previously spent 20 years at AT&T Bell Laboratories in research-centered management positions as well as in business development, ultimately serving as associate director of strategic planning and business. He also served as deputy director for laser programs and science adviser at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories. Internationally known and respected in the field of lasers and their applications, he has an extensive scholarly record with numerous publications in major technical journals, and also holds six patents on devices and processes related to microelectronics.

“Dr. Freeman has a strong background in both the academic and corporate worlds, holding senior management positions within AT&T, and is leading an excellent research unit at UC-Davis,” Ray said. “He is an exceptional scholar with a proven record of collaborative partnerships at national laboratories, and I am certain the college will benefit enormously from his experience and leadership.”

After earning his doctorate in physics at Harvard University in 1973, Freeman spent 22 years in commercial and government research before joining the faculty at UC-Davis, where he spent the next five years. As professor and department chair, Freeman also taught graduate and undergraduate students.

“The university is very fortunate, and I am extremely pleased, that Dr. Freeman has agreed to join Ohio State,” Holbrook said. “He is an exceptional hire. Not only is he a visionary leader but a great scientist who will promote Ohio State’s national position in laser research. He will also be a wonderful role model for students.”

“It is an honor to be chosen to lead the College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and I am delighted to be coming to Ohio State,” Freeman said. “The college has an excellent reputation, and the depth and breadth of its teaching and research programs are impressive. I look forward to working with such outstanding faculty, staff, and students.”