Professor Bill Dorland, a physicist, educator, and former director of the University of Maryland’s Honors College, passed away on Sunday, September 22, at the age of 58. He was a UMD Distinguished Scholar-Teacher and professor of physics and was recently awarded the prestigious 2024 James Clerk Maxwell Prize for Plasma Physics. His legacy as an inspirational leader and dedicated educator will be remembered by colleagues, students, and alumni.
Dorland’s tenure as the executive director of Maryland’s Honors College from 2009 to 2015 was marked by significant growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the college added four living-learning programs, doubled the size of its faculty, increased the budget per student, and introduced dozens of creative new classes. He cultivated a culture of intellectual engagement and fostered a strong sense of community among some of the university’s brightest undergraduates.
Despite facing a diagnosis of chordoma, a rare and incurable form of cancer, at the age of 38, Dorland maintained his commitment to education. He continued to teach, advise students, and lead the Honors College while undergoing treatment. Dorland oversaw the Honors curriculum of 70-80 courses per semester and advised doctoral students at both Maryland and Oxford University, where he was a visiting professor. His resilience was an inspiration to many, as he balanced his administrative duties with ongoing research and mentorship.
“I can’t recall one day when Bill ever complained about his illness,” said Traci Dula, associate director for administration and operations of the Honors College. “He always pushed himself, never made excuses, and was always present for students and his staff.”
Dorland also led what was then the University Honors Program through a major transition when it was promoted to the Honors College, which gained an additional four living-learning programs during this time.
Dorland created an impactful learning environment in the Honors College that continues today. His approach combined academic rigor with a real-world perspective, inspiring students to develop a sense of purpose in their studies and extracurricular work.
Those who would like to commemorate Professor Dorland are asked to make a donation to the Chordoma Foundation. Services for Dr. Dorland will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center.
