WMU HOME > ABOUT WMU > WMU NEWS Litynski picked for National Science Foundation post Nov. 11, 2004 KALAMAZOO--The National Science Foundation has selected a Western Michigan University administrator for a visiting position in an NSF directorate designed to strengthen and ensure the vitality of the nation's science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. Dr. Daniel M. Litynski, who served as WMU's provost and vice president for academic affairs before he stepped down to return to the faculty last summer, has been named program director for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics--known as STEM--in the Division of Undergraduate Education in the Directorate of Education and Human Resources. He began his duties in Washington, D.C., Nov. 1. The NSF's Division of Undergraduate Education serves as the focal point for the agency's efforts in undergraduate education and aims to ensure excellence in STEM areas in order to support the development of a diverse and well-prepared workforce of scientists, engineers, mathematicians and technicians, and an informed citizenry. "I am excited at the possibility of serving the nation in furthering our science and engineering capabilities," Litynski says. "The technologies that support our society and civilization are unprecedented in history. The creativity and entrepreneurship of the United States has been a keystone to our prosperity and freedom. The NSF remains at the forefront of supporting and advancing universities and all levels of education to ensure our citizens are informed and prepared to meet the global challenges of the 21st century. I hope to be able to contribute to that effort." The one- to two-year rotator assignment, under the provisions of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act, will allow Litynski to remain a tenured faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in WMU's College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The University will receive an NSF grant in exchange for Litynski's services for the duration of the appointment. During the term of his appointment, he will continue to return to the University periodically to work on special projects. He plans to return to WMU to teach upon completion of his assignment. Litynski, who is a retired U.S. Army brigadier general, came to WMU in 1999 from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, when he accepted the position as dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He served in that role until 2002, when he was named provost and vice president for academic affairs. During his tenure as provost, he served for six months as interim University president while a search was conducted that led to the selection of Dr. Judith I. Bailey as WMU's seventh president. Following Bailey's selection in 2003, Litynski resumed his position as provost until he left that position in June. Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 269 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu WMU News Office of University Relations Western Michigan University 1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA 269 387-8400 www.wmich.edu/wmu/news