History of the Department

In 1979, Drs. Ned Guttman and W. Koss, both federal employees at the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) at Asheville, North Carolina, established the Atmospheric Sciences Program within the Department of Physics.   The climatology track was developed by them on an adjunct basis.    The courses were designed for the high level undergraduates.   In February 1980, the Atmospheric Sciences Program was approved by the UNC Board of Governors.   

In the fall of 1981, Dr. Edward Brotak was hired as the first full time faculty member to be the program director.   Dr. Brotak developed the Weather Forecasting track, and established an operational meteorology laboratory in Rhoades Hall, and a UNCA weather station.    Daily weather observations have been taken since then.

The Weather Forecasting track is the more popular of the two, preparing students for immediate employment after acquiring a BS in meteorology by federal agencies, state and local governments, and private companies.    Most of the graduates have been successfully employed, and more than 70% of graduates still remain in the field of atmospheric sciences.   The climatology track is more theoretical and prepares students for graduate school as well employment by agencies such as NCDC.

In July 1984, Dr. Alex Huang came to UNCA from Purdue University to become the second full-time faculty member in the Atmospheric Sciences Program.   

In 1987, Dr. James Heimbach joined the faculty as the third full-time faculty member, and took over the directorship.   

In 1988, the program moved to new quarters within the Robinson Hall.    The meteorology laboratory space was quadrupled and the office space was also significantly upgraded.

In 1989, the Atmospheric Sciences Program reached another milestone by officially acquiring the departmental status.    The computer facilities have been upgraded and improved dramatically, and the number of majors has also been increasing steadily since the beginning of the program. 

In 1990, Mr. Frank Quinlan came to the department as an adjunct professor, teaching climatology courses.    In 1991, the Climatic Data Research Institute was established under the directorship of Mr. Quinlan.   The Institute has successfully acquired 3 contracts with NOAA in the past seven years, and it has helped more than 50 students through the co-operative education and internship. Mr. Quinlan became a part-time lecturer in 1999.

In June 1997, Dr. James Heimbach resigned from the chairmanship, and Dr. Alex Huang took over the responsibility as the third chairperson of the department beginning in 1998-99.    

In June 2000, Dr. James Heimbach retired as Emeritus Professor and moved to the state of Maine.    Dr. Leigh Orf came to the Department from the University of Wisconsin at Madison as an assistant professor in July 2000. 

After 3 years at UNCA, Dr. Leigh Orf left for Central Michigan University in July 2003.   

In July 2004, Dr. Doug Miller came to UNCA from the Naval Postgraduate School of Monterey, California to join the Department as Associate Professor.  

As of Fall 2004, there are three full-time faculty members (Drs. Edward Brotak, Alex Huang, Doug Miller) and one part-time lecturer (Mr. Frank Quinlan).

In May 2005, Mr. Quinlan retired from UNCA, and Dr. Brotak concluded his first year of 3-year phased retirement.

In July 2005, Dr. Chris Hennon joins the department from the NOAA/TPC/National Hurricane Center as Assistant Professor of Atmospheric Sciences.

As of Spring 2006, there are three full-time faculty (Drs. Alex Huang, Doug Miller, and Chris Hennon), and one half-time professor (Dr. Ed Brotak).    Dr. Karsten Shein, Mr. Tim Owen, and Mr. Mike Squires (of NCDC) and Dr. Paula Hennon also teach as adjunct professors.    There are about 60 (officially 38) meteorology majors in the Department. 

In May 2007, Dr. Ed Brotak officially retired from the department.  An official campus reception and a BBQ lunch at Kellogg Center for departmental alumni, students and faculty were held in honor of his retirement. 

In July 2007, Dr. Doug Miller became the fourth chair of the department at the conclusion of Dr. Alex Huang's 9-year chairmanship. 

Also in July 2007, Dr. Chris Godfrey came to UNCA from the University of Oklahoma to become an Assistant Professor of Atmospheric Sciences.

As of Fall 2007, there are four full-time faculty members: Drs. Doug Miller, Alex Huang, Chris Hennon and Chris Godfrey.   It is another milestone for the department.

Department of Atmospheric Sciences, CPO #2450, UNC Asheville, One University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804
Phone: (828) 251-6149  Fax: (828) 232-5046  Email: