Homer A. Neal, '63 MS, '66 PhD, professor of physics and vice president for research at the University of Michigan, will assume the interim presidency of the University on July 1, the day after President James. J. Duderstadt's retirement. Neal's appointment was approved by the U-M Board of Regents Jan. 25.
"Homer Neal is one of the most distinguished and respected leaders in higher education today, "President Duderstadt said of the appointment. "I congratulate the Board of Regents on their decision to name as interim president such an outstanding individual. Anne and I very much look forward to working closely with Homer and Jean on a smooth transition in the months to come."
Throughout his administrative duties, Neal has continued to conduct research in experimental high-energy physics. In announcing his appointment, Regent Nellie M. Varner, co-chair of the Regental search committee, noted that Neal had said that temporarily taking the reins of the University during the search for Duderstadt's successor "was not something he [Neal] desires---it is something he feels he should do " to maintain continuity of leadership.
LSA Dean Edie Goldenberg said Neal's scholarly reputation "sends a very strong message
about the importance of academics at the University. I think this is a wonderful choice."
The Regents said that among the conditions of the appointment of an interim president
was that, that individual would agree not to be among the candidates seeking the position permanently.
Neal was born in Franklin, Kentucky, June 13, 1942. He and his wife, Jean, have two adult children; one is a physicist and the other a museum curator.
Neal joined the U-M faculty in 1987 as professor and chair of the Department of Physics. He was named vice president for research in 1993.
In 1981-86 he was provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of physics at the State University of New York, Stony Brook. He also taught at his alma mater, Indiana University (class of '61), in 1967-81 and was dean of research and graduate development there in 1976-81.
In 1980-86 Neal was a member of the National Science Board, the governing body of the National Science Foundation. He chaired the National Science Board Committee on Undergraduate Science Education, the National Science Foundation Physics Advisory Committee, and the National Academy of Sciences' Committee on Career Choices of Talented Students.
His other activities with national scientific groups include the Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies Board of Trustees. He has been a Fellow of the American Physical Society since 1972.
Neal, who has received many honors, including a 1980-81 Guggenheim Fellowship, the Stony Brook Medal, and an honorary degree from Indiana University, will be the first African American to serve as U-M president in its 179-year history.
Regent Rebecca McGowan (D-Ann Arbor) said Neal's ethnicity had nothing to do with his selection, but rather his record of high achievement and outstanding service showed that he was "the best person to take the helm of the University; he happens to be a lot of things; he happens to be the best."
. . . March 1996
Homer A. Neal, '63 MS, '66 PhD, professor of physics and vice president for research at the University of Michigan, will assume the interim presidency of the University on July 1, the day after President James. J. Duderstadt's retirement. Neal's appointment was approved by the