Dr. David Hilmey has been named dean of St. Bonaventure University’s School of Arts & Sciences, President Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., announced today. 

Hilmey will work closely with Dr. David Danahar, interim dean, through the spring semester; the appointment takes effect July 1, 2016. 

An associate professor of chemistry, Hilmey has been chair of St. Bonaventure’s Department of Chemistry since 2013. He’s taught at SBU since 2008.

“The success that Dr. Hilmey has achieved as a researcher, teacher, Honors Program director, and department chair has prepared him well to lead our university’s largest academic school,” said Sr. Margaret. “He will assume this role at a time of significant opportunity as we embark upon our new strategic plan in June of 2016.”

A 2001 graduate of the University at Buffalo, Hilmey received his Ph.D. in chemistry from The Ohio State University in 2006, and served as a postdoctoral associate at Cornell from 2006 to 2008. He has been a member of the American Chemical Society since 2002. 

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the School of Arts & Sciences in a broader capacity as dean,” Hilmey said. “This school plays a central role in the education of our entire student body and I’m looking forward to working with faculty and staff, administration, and the entire SBU community in that role.”

Hilmey said he’s especially excited to work with individual programs and majors “to promote the great work that they are involved in and to help develop new initiatives and ideas as we strive for the best educational experience possible for our students.” 

At St. Bonaventure, Hilmey has been director of the Honors Program since 2013, tripling the number of participants over three years; coordinated SBU’s Regional Science Fair and STEM Camp (2012); and served on the University Planning Commission, National Scholarship Advisory Committee, University Ministries Building Steering Committee, Orientation Steering Committee, Diversity Action Committee, and APEC University Assessment Committee.

“I believe strongly in the Bonaventure mission of educational excellence in the Franciscan tradition, and I plan to help share that message within our campus and the broader communities we serve,” Hilmey said. 

Hilmey and his wife, Tamara, a private practicing licensed architect, live in Allegany with their three children: Xavier, 10; June, 6; and Ivan, 1. 

“Dr. Hilmey has demonstrated the ability to work not only across the School of Arts & Sciences, but also across the university to achieve goals. These skills and dispositions will serve him well as dean,” said Dr. Joseph Zimmer, provost and vice president for academic affairs. 

“Dave is deeply committed to further enhancing the academic reputation of St. Bonaventure University, growing enrollments, and facilitating a vibrant academic culture.” 

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, we believe in the goodness of every person and in the ability of every person to do extraordinary things.  St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. Named the #5 best college value in the North by U.S. News and World Report, we are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition. Our students are becoming extraordinary.