2020 Faculty Governance Award

Citation for Douglas D. Young

Professor Young has embraced governance and service opportunities, emerging as a respected leader. Within his department he has chaired two faculty search committees and is an inaugural member of the Diversity, Outreach, & Publicity (DOP) Committee, leading efforts to improve the department's visibility and its connections with current and prospective students, their families, and alumni.

Since 2011 he has served as faculty adviser to the student Chemistry Club, helping to launch and sustain outreach efforts that include the Chemistry Magic Show, a regular campus favorite, and science demonstrations for local youth organizations and students. During his tenure as adviser the club has won yearly recognition from the American Chemical Society (ACS); and in 2017-18, was designated an Outstanding Student Chapter by the ACS Green Chemistry Institute.

He is inaugural chair of the Undergraduate Research Committee in the Charles Center, a group of 30 faculty members who read and evaluate approximately 400 proposals each year for Summer Research Grants, Honors Fellowships, Monroe Scholar projects, and international fellowships. As chair, he has worked tirelessly to formulate new procedures, best practices, increased transparency, and an expanded and more rigorous role for the faculty reviewers. He also serves on the Committee on Academic Status and regularly assists with events offered by the W&M Admission Office, including their STEM panel and Fall Focus.

For his many contributions, it is fitting that he now be recognized with the Arts & Sciences 2020 Faculty Governance Award.