JMU to present honorary degree to local chemistry professor
JMU Headlines
SUMMARY: JMU will present an honorary degree to longtime chemistry academic staff member Thomas Gallaher.
James Madison University will present an honorary degree to longtime chemistry academic staff member Thomas Gallaher during the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) commencement ceremony Saturday.
JMU President Charlie King and Board of Visitors Rector Suzanne Obenshain will present the honorary Doctor of Science degree to Gallaher, who retired from JMU in 2008.
Honorary degrees are presented to individuals nominated by their peers and colleagues. JMU’s honorary degree committee, chaired by the provost, reviews the nominations and then makes recommendations to the university’s president. The final step in the process is a board vote.
Gallaher graduated with honors from Madison College in 1972 and joined CSM later that year. He spent 36 years serving in a variety of positions within the chemistry department and is a member of JMU’s Staff Emeriti Association.
Notably, Gallaher served as a key driver in expanding the role of undergraduate research, contributing significantly to the national reputation of the chemistry department. In addition, he was the primary contributor behind the establishment of JMU’s multimillion-dollar Shenandoah Valley Regional NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) Facility, which benefits chemists from JMU, Bridgewater College, Eastern Mennonite University, Mary Baldwin University, and the University of Virginia.
Gallaher routinely served as a go-to campus resource for his knowledge of chemical instrumentation and creative problem solving, often called to assist faculty in the chemistry departments of numerous Virginia universities. In addition, local companies leaned on his expertise; he provided air quality monitoring prior to the construction of the Coors Brewery facility in Elkton.
“Tom served JMU, the College of Science and Mathematics and Harrisonburg with distinction for over 30 years,” said Bob Kolvoord, JMU’s interim provost. “He is well regarded in academia, his industry and his community. I congratulate him and his wife, Susan, on the occasion of this great honor,” said Kolvoord.
After retiring, Gallaher renewed his interest in archery and competed in local, state and national tournaments, winning four state events.
JMU has presented 40 honorary degrees since 1983.
