V. Dean Adams

V. Dean Adams has built a distinguished career spanning more than 50 years in higher education, research, engineering leadership, and professional service. He earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Idaho State University and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Utah State University before beginning a career that included faculty, research, and administrative roles at Utah State University, Tennessee Technological University, and the University of Nevada, Reno.

Throughout his career, Dean has combined teaching, research, and leadership, serving as Associate Dean and Executive Associate Dean in colleges of engineering and leading programs focused on water resources, engineering education, and environmental research. His experience demonstrates the many career paths available to STEM graduates, including academia, research management, university administration, and public service.

Dean has also been deeply involved in the American Chemical Society (ACS) for decades, holding numerous national leadership positions and helping shape the organization's governance. In recognition of his contributions to the chemical profession, education, and professional service, he was named an ACS Fellow in 2020.