Eric W. Kaler

Eric W. Kaler
Name	Eric W. Kaler
Birth date	2 December 1956
Birth place	New York City, New York, U.S.
Alma mater	California Institute of Technology (BS), University of Minnesota (PhD)
Occupation	Chemical engineer, university administrator
Spouse	Karen Kaler

Eric W. Kaler is an American chemical engineer and academic administrator who served as the 16th president of the University of Minnesota. A distinguished scholar in the field of complex fluids, his academic career included significant leadership roles at Stony Brook University and the University of Delaware before his tenure at the helm of Minnesota's flagship land-grant university. Following his presidency, he assumed leadership of the American Chemical Society and returned to faculty roles, maintaining his influence in both higher education and scientific research.

Early life and education

Eric W. Kaler was born on December 2, 1956, in New York City. He pursued his undergraduate studies in chemical engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the prestigious California Institute of Technology in 1978. He then continued his graduate education at the University of Minnesota, where he conducted research under prominent scholars and received his Doctor of Philosophy in chemical engineering in 1982. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his expertise in colloid science and the behavior of complex fluids.

Academic career

Kaler began his academic career as a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Washington. In 1989, he moved to the University of Delaware, joining its College of Engineering and later serving as chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering. His research, funded by agencies like the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, focused on microemulsions and polymer thermodynamics. In 2000, he was appointed Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Stony Brook University, part of the State University of New York system, where he also held the title of Distinguished Professor.

Presidency of the University of Minnesota

Kaler was inaugurated as the 16th president of the University of Minnesota in 2011, succeeding Robert H. Bruininks. His tenure was marked by a strong focus on affordability, research excellence, and operational efficiency. Key initiatives included the "Driven" fundraising campaign, which secured over $3 billion for the university system, and efforts to freeze tuition for in-state students. He navigated significant challenges, including controversies related to athletics, such as the handling of sexual misconduct allegations within the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football program. He also oversaw major construction projects on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus and strengthened partnerships with industry leaders like Mayo Clinic and 3M.

Post-presidency and later work

After concluding his presidency in 2019, Kaler was appointed as the executive director and chief executive officer of the American Chemical Society, one of the world's largest scientific organizations. In this role, he led the society's publishing, advocacy, and educational initiatives. He subsequently returned to academia, accepting a position as a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Delaware. He also serves on the board of directors for Honeywell and contributes to various national committees on science policy and engineering education.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Kaler has received numerous accolades recognizing his scientific and leadership contributions. He was elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He is also a member of the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional distinctions in the field. His other honors include the Professional Progress Award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Alpha Chi Sigma Award for chemical engineering research.

Personal life

Kaler is married to Karen Kaler, who was an active First Spouse during his presidency, engaging with university arts programs and community outreach. The couple has two adult sons. An avid supporter of the arts and collegiate athletics, Kaler is also a licensed pilot. He maintains connections with his alma maters, serving on advisory boards for both the California Institute of Technology and the University of Minnesota.

Category:American chemical engineers Category:University of Minnesota faculty Category:University presidents Category:1956 births Category:Living people