Evaluation Team Members' Bios

Dr. Philip R. Certain

Dr. Philip R. Certain is the Dean of the College of Letters and Science and a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he received his PhD. in Physical Chemistry in 1969. He is a member of the National Research Council (Undergraduate Science Education) and Chair of the Science Working Group for Alliance for Undergraduate Education, and served on SNF for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Education from 1985-1990. He will chair the NCA Evaluation Team, and review institutional mission, administrative organization, Board of Control, and physical sciences.

Dr. David J. Asai

Dr. David J. Asai is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Purdue University. He received his Ph.D. from California Institute of Technology in Biology in 1979. He serves on the NSF Cell Biology Panel and OCAST (Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology) Cell Physiology Panel. He will review graduate education, assessment, and Biological Sciences at MTU.

Dr. Sharon J. Hamilton

Dr. Sharon J. Hamilton is Professor of English and Associate Dean for External Affairs at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis. Before receiving her Ph.D. in Language and Literature from the University of London in 1986, she taught extensively in Canadian secondary schools. She has consulted with Educational Testing Service on the Advanced Placement in English Readings, and has served in executive positions on the National Council of Teachers of English. She will review General Education, Humanities, and shared governance.

Ms. Joanne G. Jackson

Dr. Phillip E. Jones

Dr. Phillip E. Jones is Vice President for Student Services at the University of Iowa. He received his PhD in Education from the University of Iowa in 1975, and has held many administrative positions at the University of Iowa including Assistant Vice President and Director of Affirmative Action. He has also been a field reader for the US Office of Education since 1970. He will review student affairs, recruitment and retention, athletics and diversity at MTU.

Dr. Owen Robert Mitchell

Dr. Owen Robert Mitchell is Dean of the School of Engineering at University of Missouri - Rolla. He received his PhD in Electrical Engineering from MIT in 1972, and has taught at Purdue University and and chaired the Electrical Engineering Department at University of Texas - Arlington from 1988-94. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Western Universities and has served on several NSF Review panels. He will review the College of Engineering, School of Technology, and facilities management at MTU.

Dr. Samuel H. Rankin

Dr. Samuel H. Rankin is President of Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska. Chadron State has a significant distance education program. Formerly the chief academic officer at Eastern Montana College and Valley City State College in North Dakota, he received his Ph.D. in History in 1971 from Kent State University. He will be reviewing distance education, academic planning, Social Sciences, and the School of Business at MTU.

Dr. Arthur B. Sacks

Dr. Arthur B. Sacks is Director of the Division of Liberal Arts & International Studies at Colorado School of Mines. He received his Ph.D. in English from University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1975, where he held several administrative posts, including.Acting Director of International Students and Faculty and Director of the Institute for Environmental Studies. He is past president of the North American Association for Environmental Education. He will review international programs, environmental programs, and the School of Forestry and Wood Products at MTU.

Dr. Patricia B. Swan

Dr. Patricia B. Swan has been Vice Provost for Research and Advanced Studies at Iowa State University of Science and Technology since 1989, where she has also served at Acting/Interim Provost. She recieved her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Nutrition from in 1964 from University of Wisconsin - Madison. At the University of Minnesota, she was Professor of Nutrition and served as President of the Faculty Association and Associate Dean of the Graduate School. She will review research, the Library, and faculty evaluation at MTU.