Dr. Floyd A. Beckford has been promoted to professor of chemistry at Lyon College. The Lyon Board of Trustees approved the promotion at its meeting Feb. 24.

Beckford came to Lyon College in 2001 as an assistant professor of chemistry. He was promoted to associate professor in 2007.

The Promotion and Tenure Committee first approved the recommendation for promotion, which then went to Dean of Faculty Virginia Wray and President Donald Weatherman before going to the board for final approval.

Dr. Weatherman said in his recommendation to the board’s Education Committee that “Dr. Beckford is an exemplary teacher, fine scholar, a person of faith, and a dedicated servant to the College and community.”

Beckford has a Ph.D. and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. He was a visiting assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Toledo and a lecturer at the University of West Indies and Texas A&M University before coming to Lyon.

He has served on a variety of college committees and has chaired the Curriculum Committee, Faculty Personnel Committee and Promotion and Tenure Committee. He was a member of the steering committee for the College’s recent self-study.

His community service includes serving as a board member for Habitat for Humanity in Independence County, a soccer coach in the ICYAA leagues, and a soccer referee for both high school and ICYAA (Independence County Youth Athletic Association). He is a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

He is a prolific researcher with a long list of scholarly publications and presentations.