LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2010) – The University of Kentucky Department of Mining Engineering recently named Dr.Thomas Novak as the new Alliance Coal Chair in Mining Engineering. The position was established by Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. and Alliance Holdings GP, L.P.
Joe Craft, CEO of Alliance, was honored with his company at a reception Thursday evening for their $1.2 million contribution to fund the position.
“We are extremely grateful for the financial support provided by Mr. Craft and the Alliance coal groups. The Academic Chair position will ensure that our students will continue to receive the quality education needed to meet the demands of their profession as the department faces the upcoming retirements of key faculty members” says Dr. Rick Honaker, Professor and Chair of the UK Mining Engineering Department.
The establishment of the academic chair ensures that the department will continue to be a leader in education, research and industrial service in areas of significant importance to the mining industry including mine safety, mine ventilation, rock mechanics, mine power systems and mine operations.
Novak, who previously served as division director of mining science and technology at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, comes to UK with an expertise in mining technology. As the academic chair, he will provide education at the undergraduate and graduate levels in mining engineering and safety, as well as develop a strong research program and provide service to the mining industry.
The Department of Mining Engineering is one of the largest mineral-related programs in North America and is currently enjoying unparalleled growth that is supported through the University of Kentucky Mining Foundation and the targeted financial support of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The department consists of eight faculty members who have diverse specialties and cover a wide spectrum of the mining engineering discipline.
Alliance Management and Academic Chair (left to right) Rusty Ashcraft, Eb Davis, Mark Watson, Ernie Thacker, Thomas Novak, Joe Craft, Bryan Lummus, Jeff Brock.