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Longtime Physics Prof Appointed Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Research

April 29, 2022

Dr. David Bixler, chair of the Angelo State University Department of Physics and Geosciences, has been appointed the new dean of ASU’s College of Graduate Studies and Research, effective June 1.

An ASU faculty member since 1998, Bixler is also a professor of physics, research scientist and the science director for physics for the University Interscholastic League.

As chair of the Department of Physics and Geosciences, Bixler oversees 13 ASU faculty and staff, the ASU Planetarium and various physics and geology labs, and all classroom and research activities for six bachelor’s degrees and academic minors. As a research scientist, he has received over $1.5 million in research grants, and he has published and/or presented more than 50 research articles, abstracts and papers for ASU texts and manuals, industry journals and professional conferences. He has also mentored over 70 student research projects.

Dr. Don Topliff Dr. Don Topliff Dr. Don Topliff, ASU provost and vice president for academic affairs, announced Bixler’s appointment.

“Dr. David Bixler is a great choice for this position,” Topliff said. “He has led the Physics and Geosciences Department, a department that is very accomplished at research. He himself has mentored a number of undergraduates doing research and has an excellent publication record. Dr. Bixler will no doubt provide excellent leadership to the College of Graduate Studies and Research.”

In addition to his teaching and research, Bixler is a member of numerous campus committees, including the Freshman College Retention Committee, College Curriculum Committee, College Leadership Committee and the Distinguished Lectureship in Science Committee. He is also the faculty advisor for ASU’s student chapter of the Sigma Pi Sigma physics honor society. He has served as the Physics Lab organizer for Wall High School, on the Ballet San Angelo Board of Directors, and as an advisor to the Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering, among many other community service activities.

Bixler earned his bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics from Tarleton State University and his master’s and doctoral degrees in physics from Rice University.

As dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, Bixler will oversee ASU’s 30 graduate degree programs and 16 graduate certificate and certification programs, as well as all research programs and opportunities for faculty, undergraduates and graduate students. He replaces the previous dean, Dr. Mike Salisbury, who now serves as dean of the ASU Freshman College.