Dr. Archie Vomachka, who served in faculty and academic leadership positions at Arcadia University for 26 years before retiring earlier this year, has been named professor emeritus.

Dr. Vomachka joined the faculty of Arcadia’s Department of Biology in 1988 as an associate professor; he was named full professor of biology in 2000 and twice chaired the department (1989-2001, 2005-2006). He most recently was founding dean of the College of Health Sciences, a position he held since 2011.

Dr. Vomachka’s research interests and areas of expertise, which include biology and zoology, could be broadly categorized in the area of endocrine physiology. He has published extensively in journals since 1974; recent collaborations with Dr. Nelson D. Horseman at the University of Cincinnati focuses on the hormone prolactin and its interaction with reproductive steroids, the regulation of mammary gland development, and its function in mice, humans, and cows.

“Dr. Vomachka is the quintessential university professor,” said Dr. Barbara Nodine, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Arcadia. “Not only is he unparalleled in his areas of expertise, but he served as an invaluable mentor for a countless number of students and faculty members while at Arcadia. This honor is most deserving.”

Throughout his career in higher education, Dr. Vomachka was lauded several times for his teaching and scholarship. Among the awards he received are the Arcadia University Professor of the Year Award (2007), a National Science Foundation Research Opportunity Award (1991), and the Lindback Distinguished Teacher Award (1990). He also received Arcadia’s Faculty Development Award six times (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2008).

In addition to his years at Arcadia, Dr. Vomachka taught at Marquette, Princeton, and Michigan State universities. He earned a doctorate from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in reproductive physiology at the University of Kansas Medical Center before beginning his teaching career.