Lupo named department chair
Published May 2008
Story Source: Christine Tew
Big news isn't confined to offices and e-mails in the School of Natural Resources. The incoming Soil, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences department chair learned of his new administrative appointment during a walk across the University of Missouri campus in Columbia.
Tony Lupo and SNR Director Mark Ryan were walking near Brady Commons when Lupo received the news, he said. Lupo replaces Steve Anderson, who is stepping down after more than five years in the administrative role.
"I've got a tough act to follow," Lupo said. "Dr. Anderson has done a great job with SEAS. I will rely on him for advice."
That 'tough act' includes establishing the environmental science emphasis area and renaming the department to better reflect the curriculum. Great strides were also made in promotion and tenure among the atmospheric science and soil science faculty.
The department has also been recognized consistently for teaching excellence by the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. SEAS faculty members have received four of the ten teaching awards given to faculty by the college during the past five years.
One of those awards went to Tony Lupo, who has taught ten different courses at the undergraduate and graduate level at MU. His research is focused on the jet stream, specifically the effects on global climate and climate change.
Lupo will assume his additional duties Sept. 1. As chair, he will monitor special departmental funds, report regularly to the director and maintain effective communication with faculty, staff and students.
The current chair, Steve Anderson, announced in April that he would be stepping down to focus more specifically on his research interests in the application of computed tomography for evaluation of soil processes.
"It's been about ten years since an atmospheric science faculty member has served as the department chair," Anderson said. "It's useful to have someone come in with new ideas."
Ernest Kung, a professor emeritus of atmospheric science, retired from the position in 1998.
After more than five years in an intensely administrative role, Anderson plans to devote more time to the activities he enjoys most about his career. In addition to research, he teaches courses in soil physics and watershed management.
Anderson also advises six graduate students, two at the master of science level and four pursuing doctoral degrees.
While serving as chair, Anderson was awarded the distinction of fellow from both the American Society of Agronomy and the Soil Science Society of America.
