Source: James Edgar, 785-532-4320, edgarjh@k-state.edu
Note to editor: James Edgar is the son of Howard and Betty Edgar, Hutchinson.
News release prepared by: Mary Rankin, 785-532-6715, mrankin@k-state.edu

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

K-STATE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING NAMES JAMES EDGAR TO HEAD DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

MANHATTAN -- James Edgar, professor, has been named head of the department of chemical engineering at Kansas State University. He will assume his new duties Aug. 1.

Edgar joined the chemical engineering faculty at K-State in 1988 as an assistant professor. He became a full professor in 1997 and served as interim department head in 2003-2004.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Dr. Edgar to our leadership team," said John English, dean of the College of Engineering. "The department of chemical engineering and the college will be well served by his strong credentials and demonstrated skills in leadership, administration, research and teaching."

Edgar earned his bachelor's in chemical engineering from the University of Kansas in 1981 and completed a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Florida in 1987. His research is focused on the processing of wide-band gap semiconductors. He has directed research projects funded by the National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research and several joint grants and gifts from industry.

He has served as a reviewer for 26 professional journals and is a recipient of K-State's Commerce Bank Distinguished Faculty Award, William H. Honstead Professorship in Chemical Engineering, Outstanding  Scientist Award and College of Engineering Research Excellence Award.

Edgar will replace Mary Rezac, who is returning to her research and teaching interests in the department.

A native Kansan, Edgar is originally from Hutchinson.