Capen, Platz are 2001 Distinguished University Professors

Two Ohio State professors considered pioneers in their fields and holders of some of their disciplines' most prestigious awards have received the University's highest faculty honor: designation as a Distinguished University Professor.

The 2001 honorees are Charles C. Capen, professor and chair of veterinary biosciences and professor of internal medicine; and Matthew S. Platz, Melvin S. Newman Professor of Chemistry.

At the University's Board of Trustees meeting on June 1, Executive Vice President and Provost Edward J. Ray granted each recipient the title and an annual budget of $10,000 for three years to support academic work. "Dr. Capen and Dr. Platz are phenomenal scholars and teachers who have also served as excellent department chairs, and Ohio State is very fortunate to have these two world-class scientists on our faculty," Ray said.

Distinguished University Professors continue their regular program of teaching; research, scholarly or creative work; and service. They are nominated by their colleagues both at Ohio State and internationally. Evaluators from outside the University are invited to assess the quality and significance of each nominee's academic accomplishments.

The selections this year were made by a committee that included Marilyn Brewer, Ohio Eminent Scholar in the Department of Psychology; Arthur Epstein, Distinguished University Professor in physics and chemistry; Leila Rupp, professor and chair of history; Daniel Sedmak (convener), associate vice president and vice dean for education in the College of Medicine and Public Health and professor and chair of pathology; and Yuan Zheng, professor and chair of electrical engineering.

Charles C. Capen

Charles C. Capen is considered by most to be the world authority on veterinary endocrine pathology

Capen is one of only two Ohio State faculty members inducted into the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, and is one of the few veterinarians ever selected as an institute member. His induction cited his achievements in comparative medicine and pathology, endocrine toxicology and the endocrinology of calcium-regulating hormones. Considered by most to be the world authority on veterinary endocrine pathology, he is renowned for his work in the use of animal models to study human diseases.

Capen also is credited by colleagues for shaping the veterinary biosciences department into a significant link between the veterinary and human health communities. He is rare for his joint appointments, in addition to his veterinary medical positions, as a specialist in endocrinology and metabolism in the College of Medicine and Public Health and as a member of Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center. "These appointments reflect his groundbreaking expertise and international renown in both animal and human illnesses," a colleague wrote.

In additional to citing Capen's status as a world-class scholar, external evaluators of his award nomination also lauded his ability to carry on such a distinguished research career while serving as a department administrator for some 20 years. Capen has chaired his department (previously the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology until the integrated Department of Veterinary Biosciences was established in 1994) since 1982, and was acting chair for a year before that. He joined the faculty in 1965 after serving as an instructor for three years while pursuing his Ph.D. in veterinary pathology at Ohio State. He also earned his master's degree at Ohio State and his D.V.M. degree at Washington State University.

Capen has received dozens of honors, including being named a Distinguished Member of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists -- one of only 22 diplomates of 1,300 in the college to receive such a designation. He also received Ohio State's Distinguished Scholar Award in 1993.

"He is without a doubt the most distinguished scientist and administrator in veterinary medicine," a Stanford peer wrote. "Dr. Capen's department sets a very high standard of excellence in veterinary medicine and in the broader area of biomedical research."

Students and scholars alike have benefited from Capen's dedication, colleagues declared. "It is nationally accepted that as a consequence of his influence, his students will be outstanding both through the quality required for their acceptance as well as having benefited from Dr. Capen as a mentor," a peer asserted. Another colleague wrote, "Chuck Capen is a luminary in the world of comparative pathology, a true role model for the rest of us."

Matthew S. Platz

Matthew S. Platz is considered one of the world's leading experts on carbene chemistry

Platz is receiving this high University honor at the conclusion of a very good year. He was one of 10 recipients of the 2001 Cope Scholar Award of the American Chemical Society, which recognizes excellence in organic chemistry, and was recently named to three prestigious lectureships: The Gustafson Distinguished Lectureship at the University of Denver, the Berson Lectureship at Yale University and the Ingersoll Lectureship at Vanderbilt University. Platz also received renewal funding from the National Science Foundation through January 2003, indicating he has maintained a record of 24 consecutive years of NSF funding at Ohio State.

A researcher in the broad area of physical organic chemistry, Platz's most recent work has led to the development of light-activated molecules that can react with viruses to make them biologically inactive, which has potential to assure the safety of blood supplies used for transfusions from HIV and other viruses. Long before those studies, Platz became a world leader in the chemistry of carbenes, whose interactions lead to complicated energetics and electronic structure.

"In my opinion, Professor Platz is the world's expert on carbene chemistry today, bar none," a colleague wrote. "He has attained this enviable position by a series of fundamental discoveries made possible by ingenious application of a variety of experimental techniques, extraordinary power of observation, keen insight and thoughtful interpretation of data."

Academic peers also praise Platz for his commitment to the discipline, specifically in tirelessly organizing speaker programs and conferences that "maintain the communication that keeps the science alive," a colleague wrote. He also is cited by an evaluator for carrying out a productive research program "without losing sight of his role as a mentor and developer of students." Another remarked, "With his great personal warmth, blunt honesty, scientific enthusiasm and remarkable productivity, Platz serves as cheerleader, advocate and role model for a generation of young physical organic chemists."

At Ohio State, Platz is credited, as department chair for four years after serving as acting chair for a year, with spearheading chemistry's successful application for a Selective Investment award from the University and for his instrumental role in the hiring of 14 bright young scientists and two top-quality senior faculty members. He is one of few scholars nationally to have received both an Alfred P. Sloan fellowship and a Camille and Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, and is rare at the University for receiving both the Distinguished Scholar Award and the Colleges of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teaching Award. Called by one colleague "truly a shining light at OSU," he joined Ohio State's faculty in 1978 after earning his Ph.D. from Yale University and a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Albany.

Interim no more: Hall is new vice president for student affairs

President Brit Kirwan on May 30 named William Hall vice president for student affairs, an appointment approved by the Board of Trustees on June 1. Hall had served in the position on an interim basis since last June.

"Over the course of the past year, Bill has demonstrated a tremendous ability to relate to students while managing several very critical issues," Kirwan said. "Although we reviewed the credentials of some very impressive people, Bill clearly not only earned this position, but the respect and support of the entire community."

Ohio State Board of Trustees Chair David Brennan echoed Kirwan's comments. "I have one word for this appointment," he said. "Superb."

William Hall has been named vice president for student affairs

Kirwan cited Hall's tireless efforts to quell off-campus disturbances by working closely with student and community leaders and state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as his successful management of this year's African American Heritage Festival, as two of his most recent accomplishments. "We are fortunate that we have someone like Bill who can provide the leadership we need to achieve tremendous results," he said. "I've been extremely impressed with his decision-making ability, obvious rapport with students and commitment to the University's diversity agenda."

Hall, 57, said he is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead. "It's a real honor to be chosen," he said. "I'm grateful for the support and good wishes, and appreciate the opportunity to serve the University, and especially the students, in this new way."

Bobby Moser, who chaired the search committee, is vice president for agricultural administration and University outreach, and dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. "Bill Hall had tremendous support from all parts of the campus, especially the students," Moser said. "After talking to faculty, staff and particularly the students, it was clear that they felt he could really lead us into the 21st century in terms of improving student life."

Moser said the search committee was charged with the process of bringing three to five qualified candidates to Kirwan, who would make the final decision. The committee held airport interviews and narrowed the number of candidates from six to four. The four were then scheduled for two days of campus interviews, including public forums and meetings with senior administration officials and student leaders.

Undergraduate Student Government President Eddie Pauline said he was excited about the possibility of working with Hall, who he said has had a significant impact on him and many other student leaders. "I think it's one of the best decisions the president has made since he's been here," Pauline said. "It shows that the students are a real priority for the University."

In addition to the campus, Hall's candidacy also enjoyed broad support from all corners of the Columbus community. Sam Gresham, president and chief executive officer of the Columbus Urban League, praised the appointment. "Bill's wisdom, tenure and knowledge of the University will make him a formidable vice president for student affairs," Gresham said. "When you combine his tremendous experience on the campus with the relationships he's developed in the community, you have what it takes to be a leader of student life at OSU."

Hall joined the University in 1977 as director, administration and operations of residence and dining halls, and was named assistant vice president for student affairs in 1994. As an assistant vice president, Hall served on the student affairs executive planning team and provided strategic direction for Housing, Food Services and Event Centers.

Before coming to Ohio State, Hall served as director of housing at the University of Southern Illinois, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in education. In addition to his higher education experience, Hall has a distinguished military career with the Ohio Army National Guard. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and retired in 1998 with the rank of brigadier general.