Dr. W. Lance Haynes, professor of speech and media studies at Missouri University of Science and Technology, has been named chair of the university’s arts, languages and philosophy (ALP) department effective Nov. 1.

Haynes joined Missouri S&T in 1984 as an assistant professor of speech and media studies. He was named associate professor in 1990 and professor in 1998.

He takes over as chair of the ALP department from Dr. Richard Miller, who had served as chair since 2000. He retired in June 2010.

“The arts, languages and philosophy department provides programs that are essential for developing well-rounded students,” says Dr. Warren K. Wray, Missouri S&T provost. “Dr. Haynes is an ideal choice to lead this department. He brings years of experience to the position and his extensive student advising work puts him in a unique position to help our students get the liberal arts experience they need.”

Prior to coming to Missouri S&T, Haynes served as a visiting professor at Saint Olaf College, and an instructor and teaching associate at the University of Minnesota. He also served as an independent communication consultant.

Throughout his career at S&T, Haynes has been active in faculty governance. He has chaired the campus Personnel and Academic freedom and Standards committees, and, in 1995-95, served as president of the Academic Council, now known as the Faculty Senate. In 2001, he was recognized for outstanding service to the council.

Since 1996, Haynes has served as the faculty advisor for the S&T St. Pat’s Celebration and has emceed the annual St. Pat’s Coronation and Knighting Ceremony for more than a decade. Haynes is a familiar figure in the St. Pat’s Parade, where he rides each year on the back of the court “manure spreader.” He also serves as faculty advisor for the FOL Student Honorary Fraternity and the Alpha Omega chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. In 1995, he was appointed to direct the university’s Speech Communication Center. He also coordinated the Teacher Development Program and led the EXCEL Program.

During his career, Haynes has received numerous teaching awards. He received the Missouri S&T Outstanding Teacher Award 11 times and the Faculty Excellence Award three times. He is nationally known for his scholarly articles and reviews about communication pedagogy in the electronic age and he given many conference papers and other presentations.

Haynes received a bachelor of arts degree from Tulane University in 1969 and master of arts and Ph.D. degrees in speech communication from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis in 1978 and 1982, respectively. He is a member of the National Communication Association, the Central States Communication Association, the Rhetoric Society of America, Speech and Theater Association of Missouri, and The Kenneth Burke Society.