Oakland, CA–October 6, 2008. Sandra Greer, Mills College provost and dean of the faculty and professor of chemistry, has received a teaching award from the University of Maryland College Park. Greer joined the Mills faculty in July 2008.

Greer, formerly a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Maryland, is the recipient of this year's Kirwan Award for contributions to undergraduate education. The University of Maryland said Greer was selected because of her advocacy for, and teaching of, research and professional ethics; for her teaching of chemistry and mentoring of undergraduates in research; and for her commitment to improving the climate for female students.

"Greer practically invented the first ethics course on the campus-a course that has been regularly taught ever since and always has a waiting list," said the University of Maryland in a statement. Students praised her drive and enthusiasm for teaching and alumni thanked her for her ethics course.

Greer also has played a major role in attracting and retaining female students at the University of Maryland, where starting 20 years ago she served on the President's Committee on Undergraduate Women's Education, work that the University of Maryland said still influences its campus today.

Greer is equally enthusiastic about her new role at Mills College.

"Mills is a beautiful place with amazing students and wonderful colleagues," she said. "Every conversation I have with students makes me realize how lucky our faculty members are."

Nestled in the foothills of Oakland, California, Mills College is a nationally renowned, independent liberal arts college offering a dynamic progressive education that fosters leadership, social responsibility, and creativity to approximately 950 undergraduate women and 500 graduate women and men. Since 2000, applications to Mills College have more than doubled. The College is named one of the top colleges in the West by U.S. News & World Report, one of the Best 368 Colleges by The Princeton Review, and ranks 75th among America's best colleges by Forbes.com. Visit us at www.mills.edu.

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