Mansfield Faculty Member Receives Award from American Chemical Society

MANSFIELD, PA (09/14/2022) Commonwealth University-Mansfield professor of chemistry Dr. Anthony Kiessling was presented the Eugene C. Sullivan Award by the Corning Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Kiessling received his award at a banquet on the Mansfield campus on September 13.

The Sullivan Award, established in 1967 by the Corning Section ACS, is given to recognize an individual with meritorious achievement in research, industry, teaching or service to the section.

“Receiving the Eugene C. Sullivan Award by the Corning Section of the American Chemical Society is a great honor,” Kiessling said. “Shortly after coming to Mansfield University in 2003, I became involved in the Corning Section and encouraged the chemistry majors to travel to the monthly meetings. The meetings provide an incredible opportunity for our students to interact with professional chemists and to hear speakers talk about their research.”

“The timing of this meeting at Mansfield University couldn’t be better as it marks the first in-person meeting of the academic year for our students and the Corning Section. Due to the pandemic, all meetings were held online since March 2020. Now we are off to a fresh start!”

“My sincerest congratulations to Dr. Kiessling on being presented the Sullivan Award from the Corning Section of the American Chemical Society,” said Bashar W. Hanna, president of Commonwealth University. “It is quite an honor to be recognized by your peers. Our University and his students are the beneficiaries of his outstanding skills.”

Kiessling, now in his 20th year at Mansfield, started his teaching career as an adjunct professor at Rowan State University, followed by two years, 1995-97, at Salisbury State University, then six years at Wilkes University as an assistant professor.

In 2003, he joined the Mansfield faculty and has actively engaged in research with undergraduate students giving them the opportunity and helping to develop a life-long interest in research. Many of his students continued their studies and contributed to chemistry, science, and technology.

Throughout his career, Kiessling has been active in the department and helped in various committees, including academic standards, academic planning, graduate curriculum, job-search team, and renovation planning.

As an ACS member Kiessling actively participates in his local section as chair. In addition, he served as a reviewer for four text books, J. Chem. Ed., and Chemical Educator. He has also served as a science advisor for local schools. He supports Mansfield student involvement in the section’s activities, including posters presented at the Scholes April meeting. He has provided speakers for monthly meetings and arranged meetings at Mansfield and at the University planetarium with large audiences.

He was also recently selected to serve as chair of the Corning ACS section for the second time.

The integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities under the banner of Commonwealth University is a bold investment in the communities and people of Pennsylvania. Our mission is to expand high-quality, affordable academic opportunities to support the needs of all learners. We’re building a powerful tomorrow by boldly changing the trajectory of public higher education to position ourselves for growth, increased access, and to meet economic and workforce development needs. Together we’re honoring our history, investing in today, and building a powerful tomorrow. That’s the power of three.