Creighton University prof named psychology chair

Nancy J. Stone, former professor of psychology at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., took over as chair of psychology at Missouri S&T on July 1. Stone focuses her research on group dynamics, specifically team work behaviors; environmental design, studying how things like color or windows can impact performance, motivation, mood or satisfaction; student learning and training; and the interview process, studying the interview as an assessment of organizational fit.

Burken named interim director

Joel Burken, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, became interim director of the university’s Environmental Research Center for Emerging Contaminants in July. He takes over for Craig Adams, the former John and Susan Mathes Chair of Environmental Engineering, who left Missouri S&T to chair the civil, environmental and architectural engineering department at the University of Kansas. Burken is also leading a search committee to fill the Mathes Chair.

Bayless honored by Chi Epsilon

Jerry Bayless, CE’59, MS CE’62, associate professor of civil engineering, is the first recipient of the National Arthur N.L. Chiu Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award from Chi Epsilon, the national civil engineering honor society. The award is presented to faculty who have shown a dedication to advising and supporting chapter activities and encouraging chapter members. Bayless has served as faculty advisor to the Missouri S&T chapter for 40 years and was nominated for the award by chapter officers and members.

‘Alamo in the Ardennes’ nabs book award

John C. McManus, associate professor of history, received the 2008 Missouri Conference on History Book Award for his book Alamo in the Ardennes: The Untold Story of the American Soldiers Who Made the Defense of Bastogne Possible. The award is given to the best book on any historical topic written by a Missouri resident published in 2007.