Reynolds, Joseph M.

Reynolds (1924-1997) received his Ph.D. in physics from Yale University in 1950 and served Louisiana State University as physics professor, vice president for Graduate Studies and Research, and vice president for Academic Affairs. His research interests included low temperature physics, measuring gravitational waves, and superconductors.

Joseph M. Reynolds was born in Woodlawn, Tennessee in 1924. He earned a degree in Physics at Vanderbilt University in 1946, and received a doctorate in Physics from Yale University in 1950. Reynolds served at Louisiana State University as a Physics professor until 1965, when he was promoted to the office of Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research (1965-1968), and then to positions of greater responsibility, culminating in his term as Vice President for Academic Affairs (1981-1985).

Dr. Reynolds' research interests included low temperature physics, measuring gravitational waves, and superconductors.

In addition to his academic positions, Dr. Reynolds was a paid consultant for both governmental and private organizations, including NASA, the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the National Science Board.

Joseph Reynolds wed Ruth Anna Heise in 1950. They raised three children; Molly Elizabeth, John Shelby, and Wendy Lee.

Joseph Reynolds' recognitions and honors included a Guggenheim Fellowship as a Physics professor at the University of Leiden, The Netherlands (1958-1959); membership in Phi Kappa Phi and Omicron Delta Kappa; a post as a visiting scholar at Stanford University (1969-1970); and his appointment as a Boyd Professor, LSU's highest honor for teaching faculty (1965).

Reynolds belonged to numerous professional and scholarly societies, including the American Physical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the National Academy of Sciences' Naval Studies Board and Space Science Board, the Universities Space Research Association, the National Council of University Research Administrators, and the National Science Board.

Dr. Reynolds was also active in several social and recreational organizations, including the Cosmos Club of Washington, D.C.; the Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans; and the United States Yacht Racing Union.