Endowed Chair for International Research in Physics

Funded in 1987 by McKee Foods Corporation, the Ray Hefferlin Chair for International Research in Physics was established to further Dr. Hefferlin’s legacy. He was known for including students in his domestic and international research in a way that gave them confidence and inspired their future careers. As a Fulbright Research Award recipient, Dr. Hefferlin operated in very broad academic circles and considered the world his research pool. He had friends and colleagues in academic and professional institutions all over the world and was often called upon as a guest lecturer and consultant. He brought this legacy and experience to the students in his classes and involved them in the same research opportunities that he had received.

The purpose of this endowed chair is to strengthen research by providing staff the time and resources to create student learning opportunities and hands-on experiences in physics research. It provides funding, in part, for a professor’s salary who will provide leadership for student-faculty research in physics. Additional funding from this chair is designed to assist in contracting fees for research, special learning activities, training events, equipment, resource materials, supplies, and travel expenses. The principal in this fund has nearly doubled since its inception in 1987 resulting in sustainable funding for faculty-student research projects in physics each year. This endowment is accepting additional gifts.