Ashby named December Commencement speaker

Unless they're science majors" students might not think they have much in common with a biomaterial researcher.

But two degrees from UNC and four years of teaching in the chemistry department connect professor Valerie Ashby to the graduates she will address in December.

The University Commencement speaker selection committee chose the award-winning chemistry professor Wednesday to speak at the Dec. 14 Commencement ceremony.

Chancellor Holden Thorp chose Ashby from a group of faculty members recommended by the selection committee.

""Wow" I think it's a little daunting but I'm excited about it" Ashby said. I'm really honored to be asked.""

Ashby is the ninth consecutive UNC professor to serve as December Commencement speaker. Commencement speakers do not receive any compensation.

Ashby said she is excited about speaking to students because working with them is her favorite part of the job.

""What I love the most without a shout of a doubt is the students" she said. I love science" but it wouldn't be enough for me without the students.""

To appeal to students"" Ashby said she is considering using her address to speak about service.

""I know it's general" but I'm heading in that direction because I want to talk to students about what to do with their degree to make a significant impact" she said.

In 2002 the American Chemical Society named Ashby one of the top 12 young female chemists in the country. Her other awards include UNC's Sitterson Award for teaching first-year students, which she received this year.

The selection committee consists of four students, four faculty members and the executive associate provost. The committee gives a list of recommendations to the chancellor, who is responsible for making the final decision.

Former Executive Associate Provost Steve Allred, who is now serving as Provost at the University of Richmond, served as chairman of the committee when it selected Ashby.

She's a great example of somebody from North Carolina to become a distinguished professor" Allred said. She can speak from the heart. She's from UNC" and that's part of her perspective.""

Ronald Strauss" the current executive associate provost and chairman of the committee described Ashby as a wonderful" multifaceted faculty member.

""She has done an amazing job leading in biomaterials research" and I think she will connect to underrepresented minorities seeking a future in science" Strauss said.

Ashby earned undergraduate and doctorate degrees in chemistry from UNC. In 2004, she joined the chemistry department after teaching at Iowa State University from 1996 to 2003 where she was named Teacher of the Year.

Ashby said she returned to UNC because she was looking for a change in research direction and knew this campus has a wealth of resources, including the students.

I'm a Tar Heel down to the core"" Ashby said. It was good to come back home.""



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Past speakers:

2007 - Hodding Carter III" professor of leadership and public policy

2006 -Holden Thorp professor of chemistry

2005 - Etta Pisano professor of radiology

2004 - George Lensing professor of English

2003 - Michael Hunt professor of history