Dr. May earned his Ph. D. in Chemistry from the University of Maryland, College Park. His numerous honors include American Chemical Society Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Analytical Chemistry Award; Department of Commerce Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal Awards; Arthur Flemming Award for Outstanding Federal Service; National Bureau of Standards (NBS) Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Award; and the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) Percy Julian, and Henry Hill Awards for outstanding contributions in Chemistry.
On May 9, 2018, Dr. Willie E. May took over the leadership of D-RED as our new Vice President for Research and Economic Development. He previously served as Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, a position created in the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010. As NIST Director, Dr. May provided high-level oversight and direction for NIST, the agency that promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology. Dr. May led NIST's research and measurement service programs in chemistry-related areas for more than 20 years. His personal research activities were focused in the areas of trace organic analytical chemistry and physico-chemical properties of organic compounds, where his work is described in more than 90 peer-reviewed technical publications.
In his new position at MSU, Dr. May will seek to continue to enhance Morgan's research vitality, develop new relationships and expand existing partnerships with government agencies, corporations and research foundations on major research initiatives. He will also work with the deans and department chairs to develop and support institutional and cross-disciplinary research initiatives, promote excellence in research activities and scholarship, and research administration, as well as strengthen the management and commercialization of innovations resulting from faculty research endeavors.