After directing the Honors Program and serving West Virginia University in various capacities for over 32 years, Bill Collins plans to retire Aug. 15.

Before undertaking the Honors Program 12 years ago and more recently the WV Governors Honors Academy, Dr. Collins served as dean of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences and vice president for Academic Affairs and Research.

A 1957 WVU agriculture graduate, Collins returned to his alma mater in June 1967 as an assistant biology professor and member of the interdepartmental faculty of reproductive physiology. He earned his masters and doctorate from the University of Wisconsin, as well as working as a Ford Foundation program specialist for two years at the Institute of Agriculture in India prior to his employment at WVU .

Since Collins became director in 1987, the Honors Program has undergone significant changes.One of the major changes is that we have encouraged more research, and we now have a thesis option,he said. He estimates that Honors Program involvement has grown from about 300 students in 1987 to 719 this semester.

According to Collins, one dramatic improvement in the program is its move from Oglebay Hall to Stalnaker Hall six years ago. Stalnaker now houses the Honors Program upperclassmen, Honors Program offices and a computer lab for students in the program that are living in that dorm and the freshman residence next door, Dadisman Hall.

Besides his current duties as Honors Program director and dean of the WV Governors Honors Academy, Collins also is a professor of biology, reproductive physiology and animal and veterinary science.

WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. said Collins will be missed.

Bill Collins and his wife Karen have been major contributors to the life of West Virginia University and Morgantown. Bills career included time as teacher, researcher, administrator, coach to talented students, resident faculty leader, and a host of other positions. Karen has been at his side during the entire journey. Im sure I speak for the entire University community in expressing appreciation for their service in saying, well done. We all look forward to keeping up with Bill and Karen during their retirement years.

I have enjoyed all phases of my work at the University,Collins said. He and his wife, the former Karen Rymer, most recently undertook the responsibility of serving as Resident Faculty Leaders for Dadisman. The Collinses plan to move back to their Westover home by the end of June so they can get settled before Bill directs the Governors Honors Academy in July.

Weve enjoyed this phase of our lives very much,Collins commented on his involvement with Jump-Start.Well miss it. Well miss the students, but at the same time we look forward to returning to our home in Westover.

He added:Well initially do some traveling to Europe, and then to Colorado to see some of our grandchildren. We dont have any major plans just yet, but I suspect volunteering will be an important part of my retirement.

A search for a new director of the Honors Program will begin soon, said associate provost Rosemary Haggett. The application process Collins RFL replacement is underway.