College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences

College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
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1920s

6/7/1927 First degrees conferred to women

The first degrees were conferred to women at NC State. The recipients were Jane McKimmon, BS in business administration; Charlotte Nelson, BS in education; and Mary Elizabeth Yarbrough, MS in chemistry. Yarbrough was the first woman to graduate who completed all coursework while at NC State, and she was the first woman to earn a master's degree at NC State.

Mary Yarborough portrait photo, 1953Mary Yarborough portrait photo, 1953

1950s

1952 LeRoy Martin awarded mathematics degree

LeRoy Martin was awarded a master of engineering in mathematics degree. He later helped to establish the computer science program at NC State.

9/5/1953 Nuclear reactor went into operation

The R-1 reactor was the first non-government-run nuclear reactor in the world and the first designed, built, and operated by an academic institution. Design and construction began in 1950. It was the first of four reactors operated at NC State. More information on the nuclear reactor program can be found on the departmental website.

Burlington reactor, 1950sBurlington reactor, 1950s
5/23/1955 Burlington Nuclear Laboratories dedicated

The Burlington Nuclear Laboratories building was dedicated. Located within the building was the first non-government-run nuclear reactor.

Burlington Nuclear Laboratories, the focus of nuclear activities on the North Carolina State College campusBurlington Nuclear Laboratories, the focus of nuclear activities on the North Carolina State College campus

1960s

7/1/1960 School of Physical Science and Applied Mathematics established
1960 Arthur Clayton Menius Jr. became first dean

Arthur Clayton Menius Jr. became the first dean of the School of Physical Science and Applied Mathematics (later renamed Physical and Mathematical Sciences). He served in the position until 1981. He was previously head of the Department of Physics.

Dean Arthur C. Menius portraitDean Arthur C. Menius portrait
1964 General Labs Building built

The General Labs Building originally housed the administrative offices for the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, as well as the Departments of Physics and Statistics. In 1970, it was renamed Cox Hall in honor of Gertrude Mary Cox, professor emeritus of experimental statistics.

Cox HallCox Hall
4/19/1968 Riddick Stadium demolished

A majority of Riddick Stadium was demolished to make room for more parking on campus. SAS Hall was built on the site Riddick Stadium once occupied.

Famed figures from Riddick Stadium's colorful past at ceremony marking the end of the 50-year-old structureFamed figures from Riddick Stadium's colorful past at ceremony marking the end of the 50-year-old structure
1969 School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences renamed

The School of Physical Sciences and Applied Mathematics (PSAM) was renamed the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (PAMS).

1980s

1980 State Climate Office of North Carolina relocated

The State Climate Office of North Carolina found a permanent home in PAMS. The office was established as part of the UNC System in 1976 and was primarily housed at UNC-Chapel Hill. Since moving to NC State, the office grew into the primary source for North Carolina weather and climate information and for climate-related research, education and extension services.

1981 Garrett Briggs became PAMS dean

Geology professor Garrett Briggs was named the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences' second dean. Briggs served until 1988, leaving NC State to serve as president of Peace College until his retirement from academics in 1998.

1983 PAMS Foundation established

The NC State University Physical and Mathematical Science Foundation, more commonly known as the PAMS Foundation, was established. The mission of the foundation, which increased its endowment from $245,000 to more than $10 million, was to promote the educational, research and service programs of the College through personal advocacy and by securing private funding for priority programs.

1987 Schools became colleges

Eight of the university's academic schools were designated as colleges.

1988 Department of Computer Science transferred

The Department of Computer Science was transferred from the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences to the College of Engineering.

1988 Chemistry professor Jerry Whitten became PAMS's third dean
Dean Whitten (PAMS)Dean Whitten (PAMS)

1990s

1991 PAMS established the Science House

The College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (PAMS) established the Science House to provide hands-on science opportunities to K-12 students. The Science House later expanded to a main office on Centennial Campus and five satellite offices throughout the state.

1999 First "Realizing Possibilities" event hosted

PAMS hosted its first "Realizing Possibilities" event. This annual event offered members of the community a chance to thank those teachers, donors and others who helped them succeed through their generosity, leadership and commitment to the advancement of the physical and mathematical sciences.

1999 College history written

Jasper Memory wrote History of the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (1960-1999). A print edition exists in the library.

2000s

2000 Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry relocated

The Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry relocated from the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

2000 Daniel L. Solomon named fourth dean of PAMS

Statistics professor Daniel L. Solomon was named the fourth dean of the college.

2001 Paul Roelle awarded PhD

Paul Roelle was awarded a PhD. He previously earned a Master of Science degree in 1996. He later became a colonel in the U.S. Air Force and one of the top weather forecasters in the air force.

2003 WISE program established

The Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program was established. Fifty-six freshman women with majors in PAMS and the College of Engineering joined the program in its first year. As of 2009, the "living and learning village" included 256 women majoring in five colleges across campus, and a high school chapter was established at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.

2005 First Scope Academy hosted on campus

The college hosted its first Scope Academy, originally known as Alumni and Friends Weekend. The event provided an opportunity for fans of the sciences as well as alumni, friends, faculty and students of PAMS to connect with each other and the College while learning about the latest advances in various disciplines. In less than five years, the program became the premier science education outreach program at NC State.

2010s

7/1/2013 College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences superseded by College of Sciences