Blount Appointed Head of NSF EPSCOR Office

Dr. Arden Bement, director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), has announced the appointment of Dr. Henry N. Blount III as the head of the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), effective May 29.

Blount joined the Mathematical and Physical Science Directorate (MPS) at NSF in 1984 as program director for chemical analysis from his position as professor and director of graduate studies in chemistry at the University of Delaware. During his tenure at NSF, Blount has served in numerous capacities including head of the chemistry division's Office of Special Projects; director of program operations in the Research Facilities Office, Office of the Director; acting deputy division director for chemistry; acting executive officer for chemistry; and most recently as head of the MPS Directorate’s Office of Multidisciplinary Activities. His leadership contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Director’s Meritorious Service Award, the Director’s Award for Management Excellence and the Director’s Equal Opportunity Award.

Blount received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina in 1963 and his doctorate in chemistry from the University of Georgia in 1969. Before joining NSF, he was on the faculty of the University of Delaware from 1970-84. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.