Apelian has a worldwide reputation in his discipline of materials processing, especially solidification processing and powder metallurgy. As Howmet Professor of Engineering at WPI he will direct the Metals Processing Center (MPC) which he was instrumental in establishing. The Metal Processing Center is an internationally recognized research organization sponsored by 35-40 corporations and federal agencies. It includes the Aluminum Casting Research Laboratory (ACRL), the Carl Gunnard Johnson Powder Metallurgy Research Center and the Semi-Solid Processing Laboratory. This past year WPI's ACRL earned a $1.4 million five-year cooperative agreement with the Department of Energy for research in clean metal casting, particularly casting alloys, a field in which Apelian holds key patents and has published extensively.
"I feel a strong conviction to devote my future energies to the professoriate, my research in material processing, and the learning experience of our students," Apelian said.
"This will be a critical year for WPI as we welcome our 14th president, celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Plan, prepare for several important accreditation visits, and prepare for a major capital campaign," he continued.
Apelian also noted the many achievements of the last five to six years. "These accomplishments are the result of the dedication and genuine commitment of every member of the WPI community. I firmly believe that we are well positioned and destined for great things."
Highlights of WPI academic affairs since 1990 include:
-Advancing WPI's recognition nationally and internationally, and its classification as a national university (versus a regional college).
-Increasing industrial linkages, competing for and winning several Technology Reinvestment Program awards, nearly tripling research support, and the celebration of learning on the campus.
-Maintaining healthy enrollments, broadening academic programs, and the establishment of interface disciplines in pre-health, communications, pre-professional (pre-law, teacher certification), entrepreneurship, management of technology, industrial engineering, and international studies.
-Strengthening of WPI's globalization programs through its project centers in Asia, Europe and Latin America and establishing peer reviews of projects.
-Initiatives aimed at enhancing the first-year experience of undergraduates.
-Introduction of distance learning education and reconfiguring of WPI's continuing education programs
-Establishing the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Minority Student Affairs. Minority student enrollment has more than tripled in the classes of 1997 and 1998.
-Strengthening pre-college activities with the School/College Collaborative and the establishment of the Massachusetts Academy of Mathematics and Science at WPI.
James P. Hanlan, secretary of the WPI faculty, noted Provost Apelian's commitment to WPI and his high regard in the academic community. "I am delighted to welcome Diran to the ranks of the teaching and research community. He has a superb reputation as a scholar. It's a real coup that WPI could keep him here."
Former WPI President Jack Lott Brown said he and President Edward Parrish are pleased that Provost Apelian will remain at WPI to devote his efforts to scholarship, research and teaching. "Diran has a worldwide reputation in his discipline and WPI will benefit with his expertise. WPI is a better place because of his commitment," Brown said.
A nationwide search for a successor is expected to begin in the fall.
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