Beth Bohn

KSU News Service

Several academic departments at Kansas State University have announced changes in leadership. New department leaders include the following individuals:

Len Bloomquist, interim head of the department of sociology, anthropology and social work. An associate professor of sociology, he has been a K-State faculty member since 1989. He replaces Michael Timberlake, who accepted a position at the University of Utah.

John Boyer Jr., interim head of the department of statistics. Boyer joined K-State in 1981 and was promoted to full professor in 1999. He replaces Dallas Johnson, who stepped down from the department head post but remains active in teaching and research.

Robert Corum, permanent head of the department of modern languages. Corum, who joined K-State in 1977 and was promoted to full professor in 1990, served as interim head during the last school year.

Kisangani Emizet, interim head of the department of political science. He replaces Dale Herspring, who stepped down but remains active in teaching and research. Emizet joined K-State in 1994 and was promoted to associate professor in 2000.

Mohammad Hosni, interim head of the department of mechanical and nuclear engineering. Hosni joined K-State in 1990 and was promoted to full professor in 1999. He previously served as director of K-State’s Institute for Environmental Research from 1993 until being appointed interim department head in May 2001. Hosni replaces J. Garth Thompson, who remains active in teaching and research.

Mary Hubbard, head of the department of geology. Hubbard joined K-State in 1996 and was promoted to associate professor in 1998. She replaces Jack Oviatt, who stepped down from the post but remains active in teaching and research.

Marlon Johnston, head of the department of aviation at K-State at Salina. Johnson assumed leadership of the department in October 2000. He comes to K-State after serving 22 years in various leadership and management positions in the U.S. Air Force, including as commander of the 82nd Training Support Squadron and as chief of safety of the 82nd Training Wing, both at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas. He also served as program manager and as operations staff officer at Air Force Headquarters in the Pentagon, and as chief of NATO Force Timing, Joint Strategic Target Planning staff, at Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Neb. Johnston received a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and a master’s from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Virginia Moxley, interim head of the department of hotel, restaurant, institution management and dietetics. Moxley also serves as associate dean of the College of Human Ecology. She replaces Judy Miller, who retired.

Brian Niehoff, permanent head of the department of management. Niehoff previously served as interim head of the department during the 2000-2001 school year. A K-State faculty member since 1988, Niehoff is the College of Business Administration’s Mark Truitt Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies.

After serving the last year as interim head of the department of art, Duane Noblett has been named department head. Noblett joined K-State in 1973 and was promoted to full professor this year.

Donald Von Bergen, department of arts, science and business at K-State at Salina. Prior to joining K-State in July, Von Bergen taught physics, technology and physical science at Salina South High School. He also served as a physics and geology instructor at K-State-Salina from 1994-97, and as a geologist/geophysicist for Chevron USA Inc. from 1988 to 1992. In addition, he served in the U.S. Army from 1975 to 1981. Von Bergen earned a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana.

Dean Zollman, new head of the department of physics. Zollman joined K-State in 1970. He received K-State’s highest academic rank, university distinguished professor, this year. He replaces James Legg, who retired.