Contact: Kimberly Osborne (304) 766-3363 kosborne@wvstateu.edu
INSTITUTE, W.Va. – Dr. Naveed Zaman has been named the Interim Dean for the West Virginia State University (WVSU) College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics effective immediately. Former Acting Dean Robert Barney, Ph.D., stepped down from his role in late December 2014 due to personal reasons. Barney will continue with the University as the Associate Dean and Associate Director for Research, and Interim Assistant Vice President for Research and Public Service. In the coming months, WVSU will conduct a national search for a permanent appointment for the Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Barney for his leadership and know he will continue to be a great asset for both the College and Interim Dean Zaman throughout this transitional period,” said Provost Kumara Jayasuriya, Ph.D. “During his extensive years of service at the University, Dr. Zaman has worked diligently to improve the student learning experience, not only in the College but across the University, through a variety of leadership positions he has held. I look forward to working with him as we, together, continue those investments for our students and faculty.”
Zaman has been a professor at WVSU since 2000 and, currently, is serving as Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. He has taught mathematics classes ranging from Mathematics for Liberal Arts to Advanced Calculus, and emphasizes the importance of incorporating technology into the classroom to enhance student learning. He also has served as an advisor to students undertaking research projects in the field of mathematics.
Zaman is a member of the WVSU Faculty Senate’s Executive Committee and serves as chair of the WVSU NASA Space Grant Committee. He has been the faculty sponsor of the Math Club at WVSU since 2003 and works to attract students to mathematics education and research by exposing them to various, interesting and important applications within the field.
In addition to his work with the University, Zaman is also a member of the West Virginia NASA Space Grant Consortiums Board of Directors. Through this endeavour, he works to build research infrastructure and promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in the state.
Zaman is also a former vice president of the Dunbar Primary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and member of the Midwest Cricket Council Board. He has represented WVSU as a lecturer at the National Center for Human Relations and has served as a moderator and organizer for a wide variety of events both on campus and throughout the community.
Prior to joining WVSU in 2000, Zaman worked as a teaching assistant and part-time instructor at the University of Kentucky.
Zaman earned his doctorate in Mathematics from the University of Kentucky, a master’s of philosophy in Mathematics and a master’s of science in Pure Mathematics from Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan, and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics from the University of the Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan.
Zaman resides in Kanawha County and enjoys playing cricket, golf, bridge and chess.
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