Celebrating CHEE Alum Richard Edwards

Richard Edwards has held many roles at the University of Arizona: the first PhD recipient in chemical engineering, the university's first vice president for student relations, and associate dean of the College of Mines, for starters. But, outside of academics, this professor emeritus of chemical engineering also held a crucial role in bringing the university into what is now the Pac-12 Conference, back when it was just becoming the Pac-10.

The Arizona Daily Star recently featured an article on Edwards, which describes how his multi-decade career at the University of Arizona also included his role as chairman of the faculty athletic committee. During this time, university President John Schaefer was eager to establish academic fellowships with the California schools, and asked Edwards to lookin into the idea of the University of Arizona and other non-California schools joining the then Pac-8, expanding it to Pac-10.

“So, I went to work,” Edwards said. “I was busy as a cat on a tin roof. I almost had bitten off more than I could chew.”

Edwards visited University of Southern California, UCLA, Stanford and other universities, compiling a report for President Schaefer to highlight at a Regents meeting. Schaefer had to explain "the advantages of leaving the Western Athletic Conference and joining the Pac-8." All of his research paid off: The idea was a hit, and on Dec. 17, 1976, the Pac-8 presidents unanimously voted to invite the UA and ASU to join the conference.

Edwards continued in his position as chair of the faculty athletic committee for years before being appointed VP of student affairs, a newly created position. It was fitting for someone who so enjoyed teaching and working with students.

“I really enjoyed talking to students,” Edwards said. “When I could help solve a problem, that was the payoff.”

In 2017, Edwards, who is also a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient, was named a member of the College of Engineering's inaugural Hall of Fame.