Faculty & Staff
Chemistry & Biochemistry Department

Meet the FLC Chemistry Department

At Fort Lewis College, the Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty are more than subject matter experts—they are passionate educators dedicated to student success. Every professor holds a Ph.D. in a chemistry subdiscipline and is deeply engaged in undergraduate teaching, mentoring and research.

Faculty members have earned recognition for outstanding teaching across Colorado. Highlights include:

Callie Cole, Ph.D., who received the 2019 Ginny Hutchins Teaching Award for New Faculty
Jim Dickson, Ph.D., recipient of the 2019 Kathy Wellborn Outstanding Teaching Award
Kenny Miller, Ph.D., who received the 2014 Alice Admire Outstanding Teaching Award
Emeritus professor Ron Estler, Ph.D., named Carnegie Colorado Teacher of the Year in 2009

Faculty also lead exciting undergraduate research. Recent campus honors include:

Featured Scholars: Bill Collins, Ph.D., in 2020 and Jeff McFarlane, Ph.D., in 2024
FLC Achievement Award: Joslynn Lee, Ph.D., in 2025 for inclusive excellence and student success
FLC Alumni Association Service to FLC Award: Joslynn Lee, Ph.D., for reconciliation leadership

The department’s reputation extends beyond campus. Recruiters, graduate schools and research institutions regularly visit to meet students—opening doors to prestigious programs and career opportunities after graduation.

Faculty

Michael Grubb, Ph.D.
Chair & Associate Professor of Chemistry

970-247-7238
mpgrubb@fortlewis.edu

Renee Beeton, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer of Chemistry

970-247-7370
rpbeeton@fortlewis.edu

Kevin Cavanaugh
Senior Lecturer of Chemistry

970-247-7642
kmcavanaugh@fortlewis.edu

FLC Alumni

Callie Cole, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry

970-247-6446
ccole@fortlewis.edu

William Collins, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry

970-247-7133
collins_w@fortlewis.edu

James Dickson
Senior Lecturer of Chemistry

970-247-7245
jadickson@fortlewis.edu

Yisrael (Izzy) Lamb, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Chemistry Hall 140
970-247-7033
ylamb@fortlewis.edu

First-gen

Joslynn Lee, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry

970-247-6136
jslee@fortlewis.edu

FLC Alumni

Jeff McFarlane, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry

970-247-7467
jsmcfarlane@fortlewis.edu

Kenny Miller, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry

970-247-7623
miller_k@fortlewis.edu

Aimee Morris, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry

970-247-7635
ammorris@fortlewis.edu

First-gen

Staff

Nicholas C. Gearhart
Chemistry Laboratory Director

970-247-7638
ncgearhart@fortlewis.edu

FLC Alumni

Rachel McGaw | Admin Assistant II
Admin Assistant II

970-382-6923
rmmcgaw@fortlewis.edu

Emeritus & retired faculty

Rosanna Babcock, Former Academic Assistant (1993-2012), alchemyst68@yahoo.com
Ted Bartlett, Ph.D. (1978-2011), bartlett_t@fortlewis.edu
Ron Estler, Ph.D. (1982-2016), estler_r@fortlewis.edu
Merle E. Harrison, Ph.D. (1969-1988), harrison_m@fortlewis.edu
William C. Langworthy, Ph.D. (1983-2000), hillsidebill@aol.com
Rob Milofsky, Ph.D. (1992-2018), milofsky_r@fortlewis.edu
John M. Ritchey, Ph.D. (1972-1996), dgojmr@gmail.com
Les Sommerville, Ph.D. (1991-2018), sommervil_L@fortlewis.edu
Carl Stransky, Former Laboratory Coordinator (1992-2004)

In Memoriam

Rodney D. Hamilton, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Hamilton passed away on April 29, 2012, after a 4-year battle with cancer.

Irwin L. (Ike) Klundt, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Klundt passed away on October 31, 2009, after a 3-year battle with cancer.

Doreen M. Mehs, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Chemistry
1973-1999
Dr. Mehs passed away on May 16, 2009, from vascular dementia.

James W. Mills, Ph.D. Emeritus Professor of Chemistry
1973-2002
Dr. Mills passed away on January 28, 2025 from pulmonary disease