The Vernon C. Wilson Endowed Chair in the Department of Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science (the Wilson Endowed Fund) continues to be an important source of support for the Departments of Chemistry & Forensic Science, Computer Science & Information Technology, and Mathematics & Statistics. Through investments in student learning, faculty development, research and infrastructure, the fund has expanded opportunities that would otherwise be difficult to support.
Investing in Student Success
Across all three departments, the Wilson Endowed Fund has enhanced the student experience by creating opportunities for engagement, exploration and achievement.
The fund has supported more than 40 undergraduate research projects in the Department of Chemistry & Forensic Science providing students access to research supplies, laboratory materials and conference travel opportunities. Students have presented their work at national conferences including the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the American Chemical Society.
The Department of Mathematics & Statistics has leveraged the fund to support signature programs such as DataFest, a national data analysis competition that brings students together from universities across Kentucky. The fund has also supported departmental symposia, enrichment workshops, awards, and access to specialized software and calculators that are essential to student learning.
In Computer Science & Information Technology, students have benefited from access to modern research/learning environments including the department’s Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Multimedia laboratories. These resources provide hands-on experience with emerging technologies, helping students develop the technical skills needed for successful careers and graduate study.
Supporting Faculty Excellence and Scholarship
The Wilson Endowed Fund has also played a critical role in advancing faculty scholarship and professional development.
In Chemistry & Forensic Science, faculty and students work together on research projects that contribute to scientific discovery while providing valuable hands-on learning experiences. The fund has supported both the equipment and resources necessary to sustain these scholarly endeavors.
Faculty members in this department have presented research at prestigious national and international conferences including meetings of the American Chemical Society, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Pacifichem, and the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers. These opportunities have allowed faculty to share discoveries, build collaborations and bring new knowledge back to the classroom.
Similarly, the Mathematics & Statistics Department has used the fund to support conference participation, research presentations and professional development opportunities. This support has been particularly valuable for junior faculty pursuing tenure and promotion, while also helping faculty stay current in rapidly evolving areas such as data science and mathematics education.
Additionally, the Mathematics & Statistics Department has used the fund to bring internationally recognized scholars to campus through its endowed chair program. Distinguished visitors such as Antony Hilton, Jenő Lehel, Zvi Arad, George Cobb, Edgar Martinez-Moro and Mikhael Muzychuk have contributed to research collaborations, publications, curriculum development and student learning.
In Computer Science & Information Technology, the fund has enabled faculty to attend major professional conferences and accreditation meetings, ensuring that programs remain aligned with industry trends, accreditation standards and emerging technologies.
Transforming Learning and Research Infrastructure
Beyond programming and scholarship, the Wilson Endowed Fund has strengthened the physical and technological infrastructure that underpins teaching, learning and research.
According to Dr. Tanea Reed, Chair of the Department of Chemistry & Forensic Science, “The investment in the infrastructure of our department has significantly enhanced teaching, learning, and research capabilities by providing faculty and students with funding for materials, equipment, and learning opportunities that otherwise would not have been possible.”
Funding has modernized laboratory experiences through the acquisition of new instructional technologies including LabQuest data collection systems, pH probes, software licenses and a new Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer used in both teaching and research.
The Computer Science & Information Technology Department established its first Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Laboratory and Robotics Laboratory through Wilson Endowment support. These facilities provide students with direct access to cutting-edge technologies and experiential learning opportunities that reflect the demands of today’s workforce.
Additionally, through the support of the fund, “Mathematics & Statistics has renovated instructional spaces, enhanced tutoring services, upgraded testing facilities, and invested in software and technology tools that support both in-person and online learning,” said Dr. Michelle Smith, chair of the department.
Dr. Kuang-Nan Chang, Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, summarized the impact of the Wilson Endowed fund on the departments it supports, “It has empowered the departments to build innovative learning environments, support faculty excellence and prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving technological world.”