Spring 2010

Richard (Dick) Jacob was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and received his BS and PhD degrees in Physics from the University of Utah. He joined the faculty at Arizona State in 1963 and retired as Professor Emeritus in 2001. During his tenure, he served a five-year term as Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He was also Director of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Honors Program, 1976 - 1978, and served a term as president of the independent Faculty Association. He was also the first president of the University Club Board of Directors. In 2004, he became Founding Dean of the Emeritus College at ASU.

Jacob taught physics at all levels and in most areas, emphasizing quantum physics, relativity, electrodynamics and mathematical physics. His research is in theoretical elementary particle physics. His avocational interests are music - he plays saxophone and clarinet - reading history and historical fiction, baseball and writing.

He and his wife, Jackie nee Snell, have four children, all of whom have ASU degrees, and thirteen grandchildren. Jackie is a retired elementary school teacher. They continue to reside in Tempe, appreciating the close proximity to Sky Harbor and, therefore, their family members.

Richard was interviewed by ASURA's Video History Project team on June 13, 2012. Both the full interview and a short clip from the interview are available for on-line viewing.