University of Oklahoma Physics & Astronomy Chair Steps Down After 19 Years

After 19 years of service, Ryan Doezema steps down as chair of the Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics & Astronomy, College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oklahoma.

“Ryan Doezema has secured a place in history as one of the most outstanding department chairs ever.  For 19 years, he led the department to increasing levels of excellence in teaching and research, while serving as a role model for other chairs on the difficult task of balancing administrative duties with his own research program.  Through his extraordinary leadership, he set the bar high for those who follow ,” said Paul B. Bell Jr., dean of the college.

Since becoming chair in 1990, Doezema hired and mentored over half of the current faculty, which included twice the number of women faculty.  He leaves each of the department’s four research groups—Condensed Matter and Solid Physics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, and High Energy Physics much stronger collegial entities with impressive publication and external funding rates.

During this time, Doezema oversaw the three-phase renovation project of Nielsen Hall, which resulted in a superb teaching facility with two new state-of-the-art lecture halls, several smaller classrooms and labs, as well as the expansion and improvement of faculty office space.   Nielsen Hall increased from 57,000 sq. ft. to 92,000 sq. ft. and blends perfectly with the rest of the campus.

In addition, it was on Doezema’s chance encounter in a hallway of Nielsen Hall with the family of another former and long-term chair, Homer L. Dodge, that brought about a donation of $6 million, the largest to the college to date, to assist with the renovations, set up the Dodge Prize for undergraduates, the Dodge Fellowship for graduate students, and endowed three new chairs to attract top internationally recognized scholars to the department.

In his 19 years as chair, the endowment for the department increased from $335,000 to $4,737,000. Doezema maintained his own vigorous research program and contributed to the Department’s teaching effort as one of its most effective members.  Doezema selflessly promoted the faculty’s achievements outside of the department.

During his tenure, the Physics & Astronomy faculty collectively received two George Lynn Cross professorships, two David Ross Boyd professorships, twelve Presidential Professorships, two Kinney-Sugg Outstanding Professors in the College of Arts and Sciences, and numerous other awards for teaching and research. Doezema is highly respected and regarded by his peers.

Doezema’s impact on the department is immeasurable.  His leadership and encouragement over the past 19 years leave the department and the faculty prepared for the future.