MANSFIELD, PA (09/14/2022) Commonwealth University-Mansfield professor of
chemistry Dr. Anthony Kiessling was presented the Eugene C. Sullivan Award by
the Corning Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Kiessling received
his award at a banquet on the Mansfield campus on September 13.
The Sullivan Award, established in 1967 by the Corning Section ACS, is given
to recognize an individual with meritorious achievement in research, industry,
teaching or service to the section.
“Receiving the Eugene C. Sullivan Award by the Corning Section of the
American Chemical Society is a great honor,” Kiessling said. “Shortly
after coming to Mansfield University in 2003, I became involved in the Corning
Section and encouraged the chemistry majors to travel to the monthly meetings.
The meetings provide an incredible opportunity for our students to interact
with professional chemists and to hear speakers talk about their research.”
“The timing of this meeting at Mansfield University couldn’t be better
as it marks the first in-person meeting of the academic year for our students
and the Corning Section. Due to the pandemic, all meetings were held online
since March 2020. Now we are off to a fresh start!”
“My sincerest congratulations to Dr. Kiessling on being presented the
Sullivan Award from the Corning Section of the American Chemical Society,”
said Bashar W. Hanna, president of Commonwealth University. “It is quite
an honor to be recognized by your peers. Our University and his students are
the beneficiaries of his outstanding skills.”
Kiessling, now in his 20th year at Mansfield, started his teaching career as
an adjunct professor at Rowan State University, followed by two years, 1995-97,
at Salisbury State University, then six years at Wilkes University as an
assistant professor.
In 2003, he joined the Mansfield faculty and has actively engaged in
research with undergraduate students giving them the opportunity and helping to
develop a life-long interest in research. Many of his students continued their
studies and contributed to chemistry, science, and technology.
Throughout his career, Kiessling has been active in the department and
helped in various committees, including academic standards, academic planning,
graduate curriculum, job-search team, and renovation planning.
As an ACS member Kiessling actively participates in his local section as
chair. In addition, he served as a reviewer for four text books, J. Chem. Ed.,
and Chemical Educator. He has also served as a science advisor for local
schools. He supports Mansfield student involvement in the section’s activities,
including posters presented at the Scholes April meeting. He has provided
speakers for monthly meetings and arranged meetings at Mansfield and at the
University planetarium with large audiences.
He was also recently selected to serve as chair of the Corning ACS section for the second time.
The integration of
Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities under the banner of
Commonwealth University is a bold investment in the communities and people of
Pennsylvania. Our mission is to expand high-quality, affordable academic
opportunities to support the needs of all learners. We’re building a powerful
tomorrow by boldly changing the trajectory of public higher education to
position ourselves for growth, increased access, and to meet economic and
workforce development needs. Together we’re honoring our history, investing in
today, and building a powerful tomorrow. That’s the power of three.