2013 Faculty Governance Award
Citation for Christopher Abelt
Christopher Abelt, Professor of Chemistry, has contributed extensively to faculty governance in ways notable for their integrity, thoughtfulness, and broad impact. At the College-wide level, he has served on the Procedural Review and Personnel Policy committees and as Vice President and President of the Faculty Assembly. As President, he helped to guide formulation of the post-tenure review policies and phased-retirement program, along with a Faculty Assembly resolution in support of the Charter Initiative that redefined the relationship between the College and the Commonwealth of Virginia. As co-chair of the Dean's Advisory Council (now the Council of Chairs and Program Directors) and a member of several ad hoc committees, he helped to develop and articulate fundraising priorities for Arts & Sciences as well as creative approaches for addressing the Provost’s mandated reallocation of 5 percent of the A&S budget. From 2008 to 2011 he served on the A&S Retention, Promotion, and Tenure Committee. Over the course of eighteen years of service as Director of Graduate Studies in the Chemistry Department, he preserved and enhanced the department's master's degree program, carefully managing funds to both recruit well-qualified students and support the research needs of the Chemistry faculty. As department chair since 2008 he has won the respect of his colleagues for his efficiency and transparency in managing the financial and personnel affairs of the department and also the introduction of fees for laboratory courses as part of the evolving financial model for the College. For his many contributions, it is fitting that Professor Abelt be recognized with the Arts & Sciences 2013 Faculty Governance Award.
