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Dr. Nadja Cech and Dr. Nicholas Oberlies Selected as the Inaugural Patricia A. Sullivan Distinguished Professors of Chemistry

August 30, 2017

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is thrilled to announce that two of our faculty, Dr. Nadja Cech and Dr. Nicholas Oberlies, have been selected as the inaugural Patricia A. Sullivan Distinguished Professors of Chemistry.  Dr. Sullivan was much loved as our Chancellor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro between 1995 and 2008, and was the first women to hold this post.   She was a gifted biologist who showed unwavering commitment to research and to education, particularly in the sciences, throughout her distinguished career. “That is quite an honor and carries with it the spirit of a wonderful woman and former Chancellor.”  Says Dr. Spoma Jovanovick, UNCG Professor of Communication Studies and former Chair of Faculty Senate.   “Pat influenced so many of us to be kind, be generous, and be smart.”

Responding to the award, Dr. Nadja Cech shares the following:

I’m moved and humbled to have my name linked with that of Dr. Sullivan.  She was Chancellor when I joined the faculty at UNCG, and served as a wonderful role model and support to me, a woman scientist just getting started on my career.  I’d like to think that she would be pleased with the selection of Nick and I as recipients of her professorships.  Nick has dedicated his scientific career to researching cures for cancer, the same disease that claimed Dr. Sullivan’s life in 2009.  Both Nick and I work daily to promote scientific excellence by involving our students (undergraduates and graduates) in research.  Support from the endowment will expand our ability to do this.  It is truly an honor to be charged with helping to carry on Dr. Sullivan’s legacy; one that I embark upon with much joy and gratitude.

Dr. Nicholas Oberlies adds the following:

I never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Sullivan, but all I hear, from people all over campus, is what a great advocate she was for both UNCG, in general, and the Sciences, specifically. I am deeply honored to be associated with her namesake. I have been fortunate to have an energetic group of students and dedicated colleagues at UNCG. This honor is a tribute to all of their hard and clever work.