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Dr. David Oliver retires

David Oliver and Jo-Anne Powell Coffman
Dr. David Oliver and Dr. Powell-Coffman,

Dr. David Oliver’s colleagues and friends gathered on Friday, October 3, 2014 for a reception in his honor to wish him well on his retirement.  Dr. Oliver’s research earned funding from the National Science Foundation, and it focused on plant metabolism and how plants restructure their metabolism in response to environmental and developmental changes.

His storied career at Iowa State began in 1996 as chair of the Department of Botany.  In 2003, he became Associate Dean for Research in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). Then, in 2011 he was named Interim Dean in LAS until a new Dean was selected in 2012, after which he returned to his role as Associate Dean for Research in LAS.  In January 2013, he became the Interim Vice President of Research and Economic Development for ISU.  Dr. Oliver is described by his colleagues as a trusted leader, a good friend, and a valued mentor.

Dr. Oliver plans to take one year off to enjoy his family and do whatever he likes, which includes kayaking, before he decides what he might like to do next.

David Oliver's retirement

David Oliver's retirement

David Oliver's retirement

David Oliver's retirement