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College of Polymer Science and
Polymer Engineering
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325-3909
Phone: 330-972-7500
Fax: 330-972-5290
E-mail: fkelley@uakron.edu
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Frank N. Kelley was born in Akron, Ohio on January 19, 1935. He attended The University of Akron where he earned a B.S. in chemistry (1958), an M.S. (1959), and a Ph.D. (1961) in polymer chemistry. While attending the University, he was employed by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and later the Institute of Polymer Science. After graduating, he was employed by the Union Carbide Corporation until entering active duty with the United States Air Force.
He was assigned to the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, Edwards AFB, California, as an Air Force officer and at the completion of his military tour, in July 1964, remained in a civilian status. He conducted research and managed technical programs associated with solid-propellant mechanical properties. He became chief of propellant development in 1966 and in 1970 transferred to a staff assignment as chief of advanced plans. In 1971 he was named Chief Scientist.
In September 1973, Dr. Kelley transferred to the position of Chief Scientist of the Air Force Materials Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. In June 1977 he was named Director of the Laboratory. In September 1978 he returned to his alma mater to serve as Director of the Institute of Polymer Science. He was appointed to his current position when the college was formed in July 1988.
As dean, Dr. Kelley is the chief administrator of the largest academic polymer program in the United States. The college serves approximately 300 graduate students, and college scientists and engineers are recognized around the world for teaching and research excellence. In addition to departments and institutes of polymer science and polymer engineering, the college houses several research centers, an applied research lab supporting the polymer industry, a training center for plastics and rubber technicians, and the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society. The college also features world-class facilities and an impressive array of advanced laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
Dr. Kelley has received the Rubber Age Award, the AIAA Outstanding Technical Contribution Award, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Civilian Meritorious Service Medal (in 1967 and 1978), and the Exceptional Civilian Service Award from the Secretary of the Air Force. He is an active researcher, teacher and consultant. His publications have focused on the relationship of molecular structure to mechanical properties of polymeric materials.
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