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McGuire named 'James Ruth Smith Professor Emeritus' by SUS Board of Supervisors

During its March meeting, the Southern University System Board of Supervisors approved longtime Southern University Baton Rouge physics professor Stephen C. McGuire as the James Ruth Smith Professor Emeritus. McGuire was part of the scientific team that was awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics.

“This (appointment) is the capstone of my career,” said McGuire, a former chair of the physics department. “This is an extension of my existing position; I remain dedicated to scholarship and will retain my lab I started 19 years ago on this campus. I love this university.”

McGuire’s appointment was made in recognition of distinguished contributions and meritorious service over the last two decades in positions such as Chair of the Physics Department, University Marshal, and Principal Investigator to the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave) Scientific Collaboration (LSC), in addition to numerous committee and teaching assignments.

McGuire, an alumnus of Southern University Baton Rouge, said past president F.G. Clark was one of his personal mentors who introduced him to Southern University and the idea that he could make a difference in science.

“Southern University proved to be the launchpad for my career… including winning a Nobel Prize,” said McGuire to a standing ovation.

McGuire, an alumnus of Southern University Baton Rouge, said past president F.G. Clark was one of his personal mentors who introduced him to Southern University and the idea that he could make a difference in science.

“I am especially honored to receive this recognition in the name of James and Ruth Smith, a husband and wife team, two immensely committed benefactors, who exemplify the pursuit of excellence at Southern University.”
By way of his emeritus appointment, he plans to continue with his LIGO-related materials research within the Advanced Optical Materials Research Laboratory in William James Hall, for which he serves as Director.