Keller Newest Endowed Professor at MSU

Dr. Randal Keller has been named the newest Jesse. D. Jones Endowed Professor for the Murray State University Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology.

Keller, a professor in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, will start as the endowed professor in fall 2019.

The professorship, made possible by a generous gift from Jones, is a four-year appointment that recognizes tenured faculty for their accomplishments inside and outside the classroom; Criteria include providing enhanced learning opportunities to students, scholarly productivity and visibility for the college.

Keller has been a Murray State faculty member since 1996; he earned his Ph.D. and Master of Science degrees in toxicology from Utah State University and his Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Eisenhower College. He completed his post-doctoral training at the National Center for Toxicological Research and began his academic career in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He holds board certifications in the areas of toxicology, industrial hygiene and safety.  

The newest Jones Professor has authored dozens of publications and presentations throughout his career. Additionally, Keller has earned numerous grants and served on countless committees, panels and organizations, including many appointed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the National Research Council.

"The selection committee was greatly impressed by all Dr. Keller has achieved at Murray State University as well as the impact he continues to make with our students, his peers at Murray State and within his profession," said Dr. Claire Fuller, dean of the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology. "Some recent highlights include being named the 2019 Sandra Flynn Professor of the Year, leading study abroad courses, serving his department in numerous roles, facilitating scholarly activity in his field, service on the Applied and Natural Sciences Accreditation Commission of ABET since 2013 and membership on the Committee for Chemical Demilitarization with the National Academy of Sciences."

Keller was named the 2019 Sandra Flynn Professor of the Year Awardee, and has been listed on several "Who's Who" lists by Marquis. He is a member of various professional organizations including the American Industrial Hygiene Association, the American Society of Safety Professionals and the Society of Toxicology.

"I am humbled to serve as the newest Jesse D. Jones Endowed Professor," Keller said. "I'm grateful to the University and to Dr. Jones for his generosity in establishing this endowment."