Honorary Degree Conferred

Professor Emeritus William R. Fuller received an honorary doctor of science degree in commencement ceremonies at Purdue North Central, located in Westville, Indiana, on May 9. Fuller's career spanned more than 40 years, including three years as interim chancellor at Purdue North Central. Before going to PNC in 1978, he was on the West Lafayette faculty 24 years, serving as head of the Mathematics Depart-ment and associate and acting dean of the School of Science.

Dr. Fuller was interim chancellor at the North Central Campus during a period of faculty upheaval and campus revitaliza-tion. He organized a diverse faculty into academic sections, and under his leadership the first baccaluareate programs were approved. Fuller stabilized what had been a precarious relationship between faculty and administration, and he was instrumental in demonstrating to the Purdue President and Trustees that the campus was a viable and important asset to the University.

At PNC, Fuller developed and organized the first Chancellor's Advisory Board, comprised of community leaders from LaPorte and Porter Counties, which continues to provide advice and counsel to the Chancellor on matters related to degree programs, campus reputation, etc. He also developed the Chancellor¹s Council and began an active campaign to acquire private funding for PNC activities.

The honorary degree was conferred to Fuller in recognition of his leadership and organizational skills, which shaped the institution that Purdue North Central is today.