American Chemical Society certifies Tarleton’s chemistry program

STEPHENVILLE (April 12, 2016) — The American Chemical Society has certified Tarleton State University’s chemistry program, making the College of Science and Technology program one of fewer than three dozen in Texas to receive ACS certification.

Approval by the ACS—the premier U.S. professional society for the scientific community—serves as national recognition of the quality and value built into Tarleton’s chemistry program, said Dr. James Pierce, dean of Tarleton’s College of Science and Technology.

“This certification proves something I have always known, that Tarleton’s chemistry program is of the highest quality.” Pierce said. “I attribute this success to our fine faculty and hardworking students.”

Founded in 1876, the ACS is a non-profit professional association with 160,000 members at all degree levels and in all fields of chemistry. ACS-approved programs undergo an official, multi-step review process and must meet a stringent set of guidelines before certification is granted.

According to Dr. Arthur Low, Tarleton chemistry department head, faculty have been working toward ACS certification since the 1980s. “I am very proud of our chemistry program at Tarleton and all the hard work done to obtain this certification,” he said.

With an ACS-certified program, Tarleton can expect to attract top high-school talent seeking an established and rigorous chemistry department staffed by accomplished faculty. ACS-certified institutions provide advantages to students applying to graduate-level chemistry programs and expand opportunities for employment and professional development.

The ACS designation also qualifies Tarleton to apply for grants offered by industries and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

To learn more about Tarleton’s Department of Chemistry, Geoscience and Physics, visit www.tarleton.edu/chemistry.