| After gaining a Bachelor of Engineering at Monash in 1971, Anthony Collins moved to the USA and obtained a master's degree from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. He returned to Australia, initially to develop a small environmental engineering company, and then to work for Utah Development Company, a rapidly expanding and profitable US coal and iron mining firm with operations in Australia.
His work there on ground and surface water issues generated by huge open-pit mines inspired him to return to Lehigh four years later to begin the PhD studies needed for a university research and teaching career.
After receiving his PhD in 1982, Dr Collins began his career at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, as an assistant professor, later serving as department chair and dean. He was a leader in developing project-based team learning, for which the university received national recognition. He introduced an interdisciplinary focus to teaching, research and learning, and was actively involved in major fundraising initiatives.
In 2003, Dr Collins was appointed President of Clarkson University, a nationally ranked research university in Potsdam, New York.
His board appointments include:
- Business Council of New York State Inc.
- Seaway Private Equity Corporation (President)
- New York's Commission of Independent Colleges and Universities (Vice-Chair)
- Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries
- The Solar Energy Consortium
- Central New York Metropolitan Development Authority
- Essential New York Initiative
- New York Indoor Environmental Quality Center
- Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environment and Energy Systems
- Sriya Innovations (Board of Advisors)
He has received awards for outstanding teaching and research, and is the author of more than 90 professional publications. |
