Dr. David Roland Finley has been the vice president of academic affairs since 2004. He oversees academic programs in the five schools comprising the institution, the Ford Library, the Registrar’s Office, Institutional Planning and Analysis, and Academic Support Services. Dr. Finley serves as chair of Academic Council, University Council, and the Graduate/School of Professional Studies Council and co-chair of the Target 2012 Strategic Planning Committee. In addition, he provides leadership in curricular development, supervises and approves faculty hiring, and coordinates the faculty evaluation and promotion processes. He also works with the following standing committees of the faculty: Academic Assessment, Budgetary Goals and Plans, Curriculum and Academic Standards, Educational Resources, Ethical Standards, Faculty Advisory Committee, Faculty Development, and Honorary Degrees. Finley also serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet.

Dr. Finley is a 1986 graduate of the University of Michigan, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric and oceanic science cum laude. He received a master’s degree in atmospheric science from the University of Michigan, and both a master’s degree and doctorate in chemical engineering from Wayne State University. Major research efforts have included the use of photoacoustic spectroscopy to measure ambient elemental carbon concentrations, development of the Landfill Odor Characterization Model, and development of the MMk Model to more accurately describe landfill gas generation kinetics. His current scholarly interests include improved educational/learning methodologies in engineering education and entrepreneurship education.

Dr. Finley began his career as an environmental consultant in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area, progressing to the rank of Senior Chemical Engineer at Applied Science and Technology, Inc. The majority of his consulting projects involved air quality monitoring, modeling, and permitting. In this capacity, Finley authored (or co-authored) 38 reports that required analysis of the impacts of industrial activities on the natural environment. In 1996, he joined the faculty of Tri-State University as an assistant professor of chemical engineering, with subsequent promotion in rank to associate professor. Prior to his current appointment, Dr. Finley served as chair of the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering and dean of the Allen School of Engineering and Technology. He is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the American Society for Engineering Education; he is also a registered Professional Engineer in Indiana.

Teaching an introductory weather course at Tri-State University allows Finley to share his passion for meteorology with others. His forecasting skills come in handy since he enjoys “anything outdoors,” including hiking, camping, fishing, bird watching, and windsurfing. Finley, and his family, are members of the ACRES Land Trust and volunteer caretakers for the McClue Nature Reserve. On many nice days, Dr. Finley can be seen jogging or bicycling on campus, and he particularly enjoys attending collegiate athletic events with his wife, Heidi, and their two children.