WKU's Ogden College Names Dr. Doug McElroy New Biology Department Chair Starting July

Ogden College of Science and Engineering at Western Kentucky University has appointed Dr. Doug McElroy as the new Chair of the Biology Department, starting July 1, 2024. Dr. McElroy, from Baltimore, has a strong background in both academics and administration. He earned his undergraduate degree in marine science from Southampton College of Long Island University. He then completed an M.S. and Ph.D. in Zoology at the University of Maine, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Arizona State University.

Dr. McElroy specializes in evolutionary biology and multivariate statistics. His research has covered genetics in African cichlid fishes, conservation of desert fishes, and population genetic data analysis. Recently, he has focused on cardiovascular disease research. At WKU, he has taught a wide range of biology courses and mentored over 50 graduate and Honors CE/T students.

Dr. McElroy has also held key administrative positions at WKU for 22 years, including Director of the University Honors Program and Assistant/Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. He represents WKU on the Joint Executive Oversight Committee for the UK College of Medicine – Bowling Green Campus and advises the Western Kentucky Heart and Lung/Med Center Health Research Foundation and Educational Trust.

As Chair, Dr. McElroy plans to improve the Biology Department by linking academic experiences with career opportunities, enhancing the graduate program and its research output, and creating a supportive environment for all department members.

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