Winthrop's Chemistry Program Gains American Chemical Society Approval
 

Sept. 22, 2004

ROCK HILL, S.C. - The American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training recently decided that Winthrop University will be added to its roster of institutions offering ACS-approved programs in chemistry.  The determination came after an evaluation visit in the spring. 

Approval by the American Chemical Society (ACS), which is the premiere U.S. professional society for the scientific community, serves as national recognition of the quality and value built into Winthrop’s chemistry program, said Winthrop President Anthony DiGiorgio.

For Winthrop chemistry majors, a certified degree in chemistry is a valuable personal credential that means a student has completed a rigorous academic chemistry curriculum in an ACS-approved department. The extra rigor and additional requirements of the certified degree are valued by potential employers and graduate schools alike, said Pat Owens, chair of Winthrop’s Department of Chemistry, Physics and Geology.
           
About 40 percent of Winthrop's chemistry graduates directly enter Ph.D. programs in diverse fields such as materials science, neuroscience, biochemistry, biomedical engineering and bio-organic chemistry. Another 30% go into medical, dental or pharmacy school, while the remaining 30% go directly into professional chemist industrial positions with corporations such as BASF, Sherman-Williams, Atotech USA, Glaxo-Smith-Kline, RJ Reynolds and Bowater. 

Also, Winthrop will now be able to apply for more grants offered by industries and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. ACS approval is a benchmark industry uses for quality programs in chemistry, Owens said.

The recognition of Winthrop’s department has been a team effort that is reflective of Winthrop’s transition from a teacher’s college to a leading comprehensive university.

Owens credited work beginning in the 1980’s when Tom Moore, currently vice president for academic affairs, headed the department and set the goal of obtaining ACS approval. He also credited work by several deans, President DiGiorgio and the Board of Trustees for supporting science programs and the extensive renovations of the Sims Science Building in 2002.

“As a result of these actions, chemistry has been able to recruit some of the nation’s top faculty; they are extremely talented scientists, very motivated, and care most about student learning,” Owens said. “They represent the heart of our program; we can expect tremendous accomplishments in the years ahead.”


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