SMU has named James E. Quick as the Associate Vice President for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies. Quick replaces R. Hal Williams, who served in the position for three years before stepping down in 2006.

Quick is currently the program coordinator of the Volcano Hazards Program at the United States Geological Society.

The group studies and researches volcanic processes and also keeps watch of active volcanoes in the United States.

“With Dr. Quick’s appointment, SMU has taken another important step toward enhancing the university’s funded research and support for our graduate programs,” interim provost Tom Tunks said in a prepared statement.

Quick graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in geology before earning a Ph.D. in the same field at the California Institute of Technology.

He also holds a master’s in petrology from the University of Minnesota.

Quick has been with the USGS for 25 years. He has served in various capacities, including chief scientist, project chief and staff geologist.

According to an SMU release, Quick started the planning for and the implementation of a volcano-monitoring network for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, close to the Philippines. A 2000 census report said the population of the islands is 69,221.

He also began planning for an “enhanced monitoring network” for the United States’ most dangerous volcanoes.

Quick, according to SMU officials, is knowledgeable the federal grant process. He has experience working with research teams to get funding for various projects.

His work with the Volcano Hazards Program allowed him to work with congressional delegations to help academic institutions or local municipalities get and keep federal funding.

His interaction also allowed those bodies to develop supplemental funds from the congress.

– Compiled by Daily Campus staff