As dean of graduate education, Apple will be responsible for doctoral and master’s programs. He will also "make sure that Rensselaer has excellent graduate programs that will attract the best students" and "wants us to establish leadership positions in graduate education within biotechnology and information technology," he said.

The search committee was headed by Gary Gabriel and included representatives from the administration and student body. The search was internal and it started last spring and lasted until this July. "We were all very impressed by the quality of candidates and especially with Tom Apple," said graduate student committee representative Mary Kate Williams.

In addition to his new position, Apple will continue teaching chemistry. "I have also just had my research grant renewed ... I will continue doing research and supervising graduate and undergraduate students," said Apple.

Apple’s recognitions and honors include the Institute’s Trustees Outstanding Teacher Award, a National Science Foundation Review Panelist since 1993, and research funding from the NSF for 15 years, among others. He has more than 45 publications, and has spoken in numerous professional and public lectures. He said that with his background and experience he hopes to "build a community that supports students who will become ‘world experts with a world view.’"

Aside from his academic contributions, Apple has brought a lot more to the Institute through his continuous funding efforts. Since he became chair of the chemistry department, 10 percent of the research dollars at Rensselaer are brought in by chemistry.