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Dr. Lora Billings Named Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at Montclair State University

Posted in: Science and Technology, University

Dr. Lora Billings, Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at Montclair State University

MONTCLAIR, NJ – June 20, 2018 – Dr. Lora Billings has been appointed dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at Montclair State University, effective July 1, 2018.

Billings, who holds the rank of professor in the College of Science and Mathematics, has served since July 2017 as the College’s acting dean. From 2014 to 2017, she was a National Science Foundation (NSF) Applied Mathematics Program Officer in the Division of Mathematical Sciences in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate, where she also became the liaison to the Engineering Directorate and the co-chair of the interdisciplinary Complex Systems Working Group.

Billings has published and delivered more than 100 articles and presentations on applied mathematics. Her current research program focuses on the mathematical analysis of stochastic dynamical systems and the prediction of rate events for models in ecology and epidemiology. She earned both an MS and PhD in Applied Mathematics at the University of Colorado and received a BS in Mathematics from Lafayette College.

“I am delighted to announce Lora Billings’ appointment,” said Montclair State University President Susan A. Cole. “She has a profound understanding of the academic mission of Montclair State, is deeply committed to furthering the University’s development as a research doctoral university on both the national and state levels, and she is a very accomplished mathematician. Dean Billings has an outstanding record of funded research achievements, and, under her leadership, I am confident that the College of Science and Mathematics will grow and enhance its reputation for academic quality, educational achievement and societal impact.”

During her tenure as acting dean, Billings has advanced the College’s core commitment to a research and educational agenda that is responsive to regional, national and global needs. She has built an outstanding new team in the dean’s office; initiated several intercollege, multidisciplinary program concepts; established plans to support the academic success of students in the STEM fields; advanced the renovation of important science facilities; and expanded the College’s Advisory Board to strengthen external partnerships and provide students with experiential learning opportunities.

“I have been a part of the Montclair State community since 2001, and I have seen the University grow and mature tremendously over that time period,” said Billings. “I am eager to help shape the future of this outstanding institution. I am extraordinarily optimistic about what our academic community can accomplish.”

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Montclair State University

Montclair State University is a research doctoral institution ranked in the top tier of national universities. Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, the University today has 11 colleges and schools that serve more than 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master’s and baccalaureate programs. Situated on a beautiful, 252-acre suburban campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair State delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university in a supportive, sophisticated and diverse academic environment.