Hobbs, Marcus E., 1909-

Marcus Edwin Hobbs, Duke University educator and administrator, served as Chair of the Chemistry Dept. (1951-1954), Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (1954-1958), Dean of the University (1958), Vice Provost (1962-1963), and Provost (1969-1970), before his retirement in 1970 as Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus.

From the description of Marcus E. Hobbs papers, 1935-1980. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 60344412

Marcus Edwin Hobbs, Duke University educator and administrator, served as Chair of the Chemistry Dept. (1951-1954), Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (1954-1958), Dean of the University (1958), Vice Provost (1962-1963), and Provost (1969-1970), before his retirement in 1970 as Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus. He was named Duke's representative on the original Research Triangle Institute board in 1959, and served as chairman of the board of governor's executive committee. The RTI's 15th building, a $4 million research facility, was named in his honor in 1989.

Hobbs, who was born in Chadbourne, N.C. in 1909, earned his A.B. in 1932, M.A. in 1934, and Ph.D. in 1936, all from Duke University. He served for 10 years as chief scientific adviser to the Army Research Office advisory council. In addition to other honors, Hobbs received the U.S. Dept. of Army's Outstanding Civilian Service Medal in 1959 for his contribution to the establishment of the Army Research Office.

Hobbs participated in professional organizations including the American Chemical Society, The Chemical Society (London), The American Institute of Chemists, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The N.C. Section of the American Chemical Society created a service award in his honor. Hobbs also received the University Medal for Distinguished Meritorious Service at Duke in 1989.

From the guide to the Marcus E. Hobbs Papers, ., 1935 - 1980, (University Archives, Duke University)