Thomas Ward honored with emeritus status

Thomas C. Ward of Blacksburg, the Adhesive and Sealant Council Professor of Chemistry in the College of Science at Virginia Tech, was conferred the title, "Adhesive and Sealant Council Professor Emeritus" by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors during the board's quarterly meeting March 26.

The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members who have given exemplary service to the university and who are specially recommended to the board of visitors by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board of visitors receive an emeritus certificate from the university.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1968, Ward made many contributions to the understanding of complex multiple phase systems and their strength of attachment to one another. During his career, he wrote 159 publications, four books, and received one patent.

He actively served in several international professional technical societies. He was the co-recipient of the Paul J. Flory Polymer Education Award and was a Thomas C. Patrick Fellow in the Adhesion Society.

At Virginia Tech, he was the first faculty member to be named the Adhesive and Sealant Council Professor, and has been a member of the university’s Academy of Teaching Excellence since 1975. He also received Virginia Tech’s William E. Wine Award for Teaching Excellence.

Ward received his bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Princeton University.

The College of Science at Virginia Tech gives students a comprehensive foundation in the scientific method. Outstanding faculty members teach courses and conduct research in biology, chemistry, economics, geosciences, mathematics, physics, psychology, and statistics. The college is dedicated to fostering a research intensive environment and offers programs in nano-scale and biological sciences, information theory and science, and supports research centers—in areas such as biomedical and public health sciences, and critical technology and applied science—that encompass other colleges at the university. The College of Science also houses programs in pre-medicine and scientific law. Virginia Tech, the most comprehensive university in Virginia, is dedicated to quality, innovation, and results to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.