Chand Midha Named Fellow of the American Statistical Association

Akron, Ohio, Aug. 19, 2004 -- Dr. Chand K. Midha of Copley, chair of the Department of Statistics at The University of Akron, has been named a Fellow of the American Statistical Association (ASA). Midha's formal induction took place last week in Toronto, site of the association's 2004 annual conference.

In addition to leading the statistics department, Midha is professor of statistics, director of the Statistical Consulting Center, and the University's associate provost for academic and financial affairs.

“The statistics program that Dr. Midha has built at The University is helping to produce the next generation of well-trained statisticians,” says Dr. Luis M. Proenza, president of The University of Akron.

“This recognition of his accomplishments, offered by his academic peers throughout the nation, is a well-deserved tribute to his work,” Proenza adds.

“We are pleased that by honoring him as a Fellow, the ASA recognizes Chand Midha for his contributions to the association, the professional community and the field of statistics,” adds Dr. Roger Creel, dean of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences. “Throughout his career, Chand has displayed many attributes that make us proud to have him represent the University.”

Founded in 1839, ASA is a scientific and educational society that promotes excellence in the application of statistical science across the wealth of human endeavor. With an international membership of 16,000, it applies its expertise to many diverse tasks — from assessing environmental risk factors and assuring quality measures in industry, to examining social issues and establishing statistical standards used at all government levels.

Each year, ASA members nominate their peers as Fellows, described by the association's by-laws as “full members of established reputation who have made outstanding contributions in some aspect of statistical work.” To be named an ASA Fellow is a singular achievement; the number annually chosen is limited to no more than one-third of 1 percent of the entire ASA membership.

Since joining the UA faculty in 1983, Midha has been widely published for his work in statistics, which focuses on experimental designs, survey sampling, quality control and general theory. Among his achievements at the University was the creation of the Department of Statistics from the Department of Mathematical Sciences in 1998. As chair, he has promoted the new department with UA's co-sponsorship of an international conference, “Teaching and Research in Statistics for the 21st Century,” held in India in January 2001. Since its formation, the department has awarded 38 master's degrees in statistics, and each alumnus began a career in the field after graduation.

In 2002-2003, Midha headed a University task force that created a policy and statistical model for faculty salaries. He also helped UA co-sponsor the Ohio Statistics Conference with the ASA's Cleveland chapter in 2001.

Midha completed Harvard University's Management Development Program in 2003 and holds a doctorate in statistics from Iowa State University (1980), as well as a master of science degree (1973) and P.G. Diploma (1972) in agricultural statistics from the Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute.