Fischer to Serve as Associate Chair, EIU's Biological Sciences Department

December 16, 2003

Robert U. “Bud” Fischer of Charleston will assume the role of acting associate chair of Eastern Illinois University 's Department of Biological Sciences, effective Jan. 1, 2004 , and then take on the role officially, beginning July 1.

He will replace Andrew Methven who, in turn, will become chair of the department.

Fischer, who arrived on Eastern's campus in August 1994, currently serves as a professor of biological sciences, with emphasis on aquatic ecology, fisheries biology and stream ecology.

“I recommended that Dr. Fischer be offered the positions . . . based on support from a majority of tenured, tenure-track faculty who provided feedback on the candidates, and on previous administrative experience, knowledge of departmental and university procedures, experience on university committees, ability to handle multiple tasks effectively, and aptitude to be proactive for students and the department,” Methven said.

“I am confident he will develop into an associate chair who can effectively assist me in leading the department.”

As associate chair, Fischer will assist in the coordination, supervision and direction of programs and activities in the department. He will also assist the chair in the proper functioning of the department as an instructional, research and public service unit and, in consultation with the appropriate faculty committees and the chair, help achieve the department's mission and objectives.

Fischer came to Eastern after having earned his doctorate from the University of South Carolina, his master's degree from State University of New York College at Buffalo and his bachelor's degree (ecology) from State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

He also spent eight years as a research coordinator at the Savannah River Ecology Lab.

Since coming to Eastern, Fischer has received several Achievement and Contribution Awards in teaching and research. He also has served as the university's Faculty Laureate and has received numerous other awards, including the Distinguished Honors Faculty Award for Teaching and the Outstanding Faculty Award in the College of Sciences .