Foght, James L. and Martha J. Professorship in Chemistry
James L. Foght graduated from The University of Akron in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He proceeded to earn his master’s degree and Ph.D. in organic chemistry, with minors in biochemistry and microbiology, from the University of Illinois. Dr. Foght’s professional career began at E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co., and he also served in two positions at Kidder Peabody. Dr. Foght founded and served as president of Vector Securities International, which specialized in banking services for the life sciences and health-care industries.
The James L. and Martha L. Foght Professorship in Chemistry was created in 2001 by a donation from Dr. and Mrs. Foght and a matching contribution from the GAR Foundation. The University of Akron’s Department of Chemistry will fill the position with a scientist of recognized stature and reputation in the fields of biochemistry and polymer science intersect. The Foght Professor will interact with research groups in both the Department of Chemistry and the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering.