New schools: Meet the Chair of the School of Health & Natural Sciences

by Ruby Poffinbarger - Staff Writer

Audra Goach, a Chemistry professor, was named the Chair of the School of Health and Natural Sciences in October. After being a professor for twenty years, she didn’t originally seek the opportunity out, but she couldn’t turn it down when asked by Dean Wilhardt. It wasn’t a light decision on her part, but her experience leading students and faculty made her a strong candidate.

Her main goal as chair is to clarify the career process for students and encourage movement within the field of sciences. While there will be changes and effects on the students, Goach doesn’t foresee anything negative occurring. The increased collaboration, internship opportunities, and working allowance for faculty to interact with students they may not have met before are all benefits Goach expressed looking forward to.

Portrait of Audra Goach. Photo from MCFlickr

During her time in the chemistry department, Goach has enjoyed looking at the structure of things and seeing what they do. “The most interesting thing is that you can change one element in a molecule, and you change the entire property of that,” said Goach. As a “lifelong learner,” Goach hopes her students will become one too and encourages her students to find enjoyment from learning and exploring.

“You do not have to be the smartest person to do anything; you have to work hard. I would say that about any discipline. If you work hard, you can do it, and that’s all you need to do. Have that work ethic, find something you enjoy… Look at the final goal of what you want to do in life, not everything is going to be easy… if your end goal requires you to do what you are not enjoying at the moment, but you find joy in other things, you will have to work through that.”