Thomas J. Haas

Thomas Joseph Haas (born March 5, 1951)^[1] is the fourth and current president of Grand Valley State University.^[2] He also serves as a chemistry professor. Prior to coming to GVSU, Haas served as president of the State University of New York at Cobleskill from 2003 to 2006.

Education

Haas graduated with honors in 1973 from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He earned two M.S. degrees, one in environmental health sciences and the other in chemistry from the University of Michigan and another M.S. degree in human resource management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He also earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from University of Connecticut. Haas has also had fellowship experiences that include Yale University Faculty Fellow and completed executive leadership programs at Harvard University.^[2]

Military service

Haas served for over twenty years in the United States Coast Guard, most of which was spent at the Coast Guard Academy as a chemistry professor and a member of the Permanent Commissioned Teaching Staff. Prior to serving at the Academy, Haas completed two years service on-board the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter ACACIA homeported in Port Huron, Michigan.^{[citation needed]}

Affirmative action

Despite the passing of the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, which prohibits the use of affirmative action in the state, Haas expressed his discontent in a letter to the faculty, staff and students of Grand Valley State University.^{[citation needed]}

Sustainability and environment

On March 21, 2010, Haas was named one of the "Michigan Green Leaders for 2010" by the Detroit Free Press, for his leadership in environmental stewardship across GVSU's campus and in the region for conservation, emissions reduction, building practices, local food advocacy and other such environmental efforts.^[3]

More recently he was accused by F.I.R.E. (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education) of intimidation of a school journalist for writing an op-ed critical of donor policy.^{[citation needed]}

References

v t e Grand Valley State University Academics Annis Water Resources Institute Grand Rapids Medical Mile Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center Seidman College of Business Athletics Football Golf Course Grand Valley State Lakers GVSU Fieldhouse GVSU Victory Louie the Laker Lubbers Stadium Campus Allendale Beckering Family Carillon Tower Cook Carillon Tower Grand Rapids Kirkhof Center People L. William Seidman List of Grand Valley State University people Presidents James Zumberge Arend Lubbers Mark Murray Thomas J. Haas Student life Grand Valley Lanthorn WCKS WGVU AM FM TV