College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.