Paul W.W. Hunter Ph.D.

Paul W.W. Hunter, PhD. Paul W.W. Hunter, PhD., Director of General Chemistry and Senior Academic Specialist at Michigan State University died unexpectedly, aged 69, on Wednesday, 21st March 2012. For 37 years, Paul was dedicated to the academic achievement of countless generations of students through innovative academic programs at MSU. Deeply committed to education with a love of chemistry and physics, Paul's enthusiasm for the outdoors and the joy he had for the everyday was clear to all who knew him. Paul was born in Bristol, England, to William and Eva Hunter on October 8, 1942, the eldest of three brothers. His early education started at Harecroft Hall in the Lake District, attending school with his identical twin, Christopher. His education continued at St Bees, a private boarding school on the Cumbrian coast, where his love of the area and it's mountains began. Paul's higher education began at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, where he achieved a Bachelor of Science (Honors) with courses in Chemistry and Mathematics, Chemical Engineering and Russian Translation. There he undertook leadership roles as captain and secretary of the ski team in 1964-1965. At the University of Surrey, he completed a Master of Science in Spectroscopy and a PhD in Spectroscopy and Inorganic Chemistry, while also working at Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd., followed by Cadbury Brothers Ltd. and the British Ministry of Defence. During this time he was also the joint president of the University of Surrey graduate program and the secretary of the University of Surrey Mountaineering Club. From 1972 to 1975 Paul was Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Pars College, Tehran, where he pioneered both undergraduate and graduate programs. At the time it was said that "Dr. Hunter has, for the first time in the country, made available advanced level graduate courses equivalent in standard to those at European or American universities". Having begun his time at MSU after moving to the United States in 1975, Paul worked firstly as Assistant Professor of Chemistry before assuming the role of Director in 1998. At MSU, his exuberant teaching style led to many an explosive lecture, gaining popularity amongst his students for exciting demonstrations and a reputation for setting off fire alarms. His tireless pursuit of excellence compelled him to constantly challenge himself and others. He approached each challenge with his usual humor, quick wit and determination, whether handwriting class study guides, writing an academic textbook, or scaling various rock faces, all of which he embraced with youthful enthusiasm. His annual chemistry course for high school teachers reflected his commitment to the community, learning and collaboration and it was through this course that his enjoyment of rock climbing was reestablished. From that time onwards, he frequented Oak Park in Grand Ledge, became the faculty advisor for the MSU Outdoors Club, and amongst his good friends he grew to be trusted and much loved. His interests were diverse, with recognized achievements in electronics, programming and computer science. His personal interests ranged from playing the piano to woodwork, classic car restoration, and enjoying his extensive collection of books. Held in the highest esteem by friends, peers and colleagues alike, Paul's contributions to the Department of Chemistry and the university were officially recognized by MSU in 2003, when he was selected to receive a Distinguished Faculty Award after being nominated by his colleagues. His greatest professional achievement lies with the thousands of individuals who he enjoyed teaching, day after day, and their continued success. He is survived by his wife Teresa, daughters Kathryn and Lauren, and son Daniel. And of course his dog, Rufus. Funeral service to be held at 2:00 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Grand River, East Lansing on Wednesday, March 28th, to which all friends, relatives and colleagues are very welcome. Family flowers only please. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MSU Outdoors Club (MSUOC) Paul Hunter Memorial Fund, at any MSU Federal Credit Union location, to be administered towards preservation of Oak Park, in Grand Ledge, an area he loved and where he climbed often. An English Oak will be planted and nurtured at Oak Park in Paul's honor. An online condolence book can be found at: http://ourmemoryof.com/paulwwhunter