Penn State Intercom......November 29 , 2001
John Cahir announces retirement
John
J. Cahir, vice provost and dean for undergraduate education and professor
of meteorology, has announced his intention to retire from the University
effective Sept. 1.
Cahir has had a distinguished career dating back to 1965 that has focused on providing the best educational opportunities for students. Over the years, he helped shape the weather forecasting abilities of thousands of students, contributing to the University's reputation as one of the premier meteorology programs in the world.
"John has been a champion for excellence in teaching and learning at Penn State, a tireless advocate for students -- both graduate and undergraduate -- and an innovative leader in developing new ways to engage students and faculty in interactive and collaborative forms of education," said Rodney A. Erickson, executive vice president and provost. "He also has contributed greatly in helping low-income, first-generation students, undecided majors and students in interdisciplinary studies to achieve their educational goals. His contributions and leadership on many successful teams to improve advising, teaching, classroom facilities and assessments of various kinds are immeasurable."
In his role as vice provost and dean since 1993, Cahir has been responsible administratively for assessment and support of the general education program, and for improving teaching and advising at all University locations. He also has led a substantial effort to attract and support special populations of students at the University.
In addition, a large number of academic support units fall under Cahir's administrative supervision. These units include: the Division of Undergraduate Studies, the Morgan Academic Support Center for Student-Athletes; Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching; Reserve Officers' Training Corps units; Undergraduate Fellowships Office; Undergraduate Information and Communications; and University Testing Services.
"John Cahir has been a hero in advancing the quality of undergraduate education at Penn State for more than three decades," said President Graham B. Spanier. "His fervent dedication to students and contributions as a professor and administrator have been beyond measure. I value greatly the experience of working with John, and I marvel at his untiring devotion to this University."
Cahir earned both his bachelor of science and his doctoral degree in meteorology from Penn State before joining the faculty in 1965. He rose through the ranks from instructor to professor by 1980, and served the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences as associate dean for resident instruction from 1980 to 1993 before assuming his current role in University administration.
His research and teaching has focused on synoptic meteorology and climatology, and he led a pioneering group applying computer technology in weather stations. He has been a leader in the atmospheric sciences nationally and internationally, as United States member of the World Meteorological Organization's Commission for Atmospheric Sciences and as chair of the Earth Science Advisory Council of the Universities Space Research Association. He also has served on the council of the American Meteorological Society and as president of the National Weather Association.
Cahir has served on the University's Faculty Senate continuously since 1973, and has been a member of the Senate Council; an elected member of the Senate's faculty advisory committee to the president; and chair of the body's faculty affairs and planning and development committees, among many other Senate commitments. He also has led many commissions, committees and panels on educational and resource matters, both within the University and nationally.