Jeffery A. Orvis

Prof. Orvis joined Georgia Southern University in 1991 and retired in 2026.

 

 

Dr. Orvis holds a BS from Oakland University (1986) and a PhD from the University of Tennessee Knoxville (1991). Dr. Orvis has served as a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics at Georgia Southern University since 2008. He has provided leadership to the department, serving two terms as Acting Department Chair between 2003 and 2009. Dr. Orvis has been active in both research and science education. He has secured significant funding to support instructional development, including a $100,000 National Science Foundation grant to enhance undergraduate education with FT-NMR spectroscopy and multiple “No Child Left Behind” Title II grants totaling over $120,000 to train high school teachers. His publication record spans inorganic chemistry and chemical education, with articles in journals such as Inorganic Chemistry Communications, New Journal of Chemistry, and The Chemical Educator, addressing topics from mixed-valent metal complexes to active learning strategies. Dr. Orvis has received numerous recognitions for his commitment to teaching excellence and professional service. Most recently, in 2023, he was awarded a Certificate in Effective College Instruction by the Association of College and University Educators. His prior honors include the Georgia Southern University Award for Excellence in Contributions to Instruction (2007–2008) and the Allen E. Paulson College of Science and Technology Excellence in Teaching Award (2007). Early in his career, he was recognized as an innovator in undergraduate science education through his acceptance into Project Kaleidoscope’s Faculty for the 21st Century in 1996. Dr. Orvis has had a significant impact on the chemistry and biochemistry programs over the years. A much-beloved instructor, he has touched numerous lives through his excellent work in the classroom teaching Inorganic Chemistry and Honors General Chemistry to countless students. For his contributions to the university, the discipline, and his students, Dr. Jeffrey Orvis is deserving of the title Professor of Chemistry Emeritus.*