Flory Award: (l-r)
J. Strickler (Albemarle), K. Wagener (Univ. of
Florida), and K. Haider (POLY Chair)

Kenneth B. Wagener, The University of Florida received the Division of Polymer Chemistry Paul J Flory Polymer Education Award at the 2016 Spring Meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Diego.

Kenneth B. Wagener, University of Florida, is recognized with this award for his extraordinary contributions to promoting undergraduate and graduate polymer education. Professor Wagener has been a courageous and persistent driving force for excellence in polymer education throughout his career. Through formal and informal mentorship, outstanding classroom teaching, and exceptional scholarship, he has cultivated tremendous outcomes among undergraduate and graduate students alike at the University of Florida, while also inspiring countless other students in the U.S. and around the world to thrive and become leaders in our field. Moreover, he has generated superior institutional impact at the University of Florida through his leadership to establish and grow the Butler Laboratory into one of the most preeminent institutions of polymer education and research in the world.

Wagener is untiring in his work and unwavering in his commitment to improving polymer education for all. The breadth, depth, and importance of his impact cannot be overstated.

The award was presented to Professor Wagener at the joint POLY/PMSE Awards Reception by Division of Polymer Chemistry Chair and by a representive of the Albemarle Corporation, the sponsor of the Flory Award.

This special award recognizes the promotion of undergraduate and/or graduate polymer education and is sponsored by ALBEMARLE.

The Paul J. Flory Polymer Education Award was established in 1981 and is administered by the Polymer Chemistry Division to recognize, encourage, and stimulate outstanding achievements by an individual or team in promoting undergraduate and/or graduate polymer education. It is presented biennially in even years at the spring meeting of ACS.