Harding University Provost Larry Long announced today (Nov. 21) that Dr. Dennis Matlock, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, would become chair of the chemistry department, replacing Dr. David Cole, who is stepping down to return to classroom teaching.

In 2006, Matlock was awarded the University’s distinguished teacher award. He graduated from Harding in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry. He then earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology from Saint Louis University in 2000 and an M.B.A. in management and business ethics from Harding in 2007.

Cole, who began working for Harding in 1989, has served as chair of the department of chemistry since 1995. He received his doctoral training at Western Michigan University and earned his Ph.D. in 1990.

“Dr. Cole has shown remarkable skills on committees, as a personnel and schedule manager, and in thoughtful and creative ways of maximizing the use of our facilities,” Long said. “I commend Dr. Cole for his leadership, skills and contributions to the overall academic community at Harding.

“I have every reason to believe that Dr. Matlock will be a skillful and successful chair. He brings good experience, a love of learning and a commitment to excellence to this position.”

Harding is the largest private university in Arkansas with 6,295 students. The University also maintains campuses in Australia, Chile, England, France, Greece, Italy and Zambia. For more information visit www.harding.edu.

David Cole

Dennis Matlock