At the School of Sciences and Mathematics annual awards picnic Dean Norine Noonan announced that Dr. Gary Asleson had been named as the next Mebane Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry for his excellence in the classroom. Dr. Asleson has taught many of the courses in our curriculum at one time or another, CHEM 101-102, 111-112, 221, 231, and 521 plus the associated labs. He is known for his dedication to his classroom efforts and is a model instructor in the lab. His gentle, soft-spoken but witty manner endears him to his students. He has been the chapter advisor for the local Alpha Chi Sigma chapter since it inception in 1982.

Dr. William M. Mebane, in who's memory this chair is named, was born in Newton, NC. He was a renowned scientist, weapons expert, educator, and a former Director of Rocket Research and Development at the Redstone Arsenal for Thiokol Chemical Corporation. He was an outstanding national authority on the subject of planning and development of modern and future weapons. His career also included distinguished military service and 20 years of teaching at sveral colleges and universities. He received undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of North Carolina.

Mrs. Isabella Knudsen Mebane graduated from the College of Charleston in 1928. Because of her, Dr. Mebane loved and respected the College of Charleston. The chair was established in 1987 with a gift from Mrs. Mebane and alternated between the chemistry and physics departments with two year terms. It was the first endowed chair at the College of Charleston. In 1998 the Mebane Endowment had increased in value to where a chair could be sponsored in each department and the terms extended to four years in length.

Holders of the chair and their initial year of appointment are as follows: