Devon Walter Meek was born in Kentucky in 1936. He earned his bachelor's degree from Berea (Kentucky) College in 1958, and master's and doctoral degrees in chemistry from the University of Illinois in 1960 and 1961, respectively. He joined the faculty of the Chemistry Department at The Ohio State University in 1961. After 27 years of dedicated service, Professor Meek retired on November 1, 1988, having also served as Chairman of the Department of Chemistry from 1977 to 1981 and from 1986 until his retirement. Dr. Meek passed away on December 7, 1988, at age 52.

   Dr. Meek's research specialties included studies of transition metal complexes and the homogeneous catalysis and activation and stabilization of small molecules by transition metal complexes of polyphosphine ligands.

   Devon W. Meek Industrial Lectureship was begun in 1989. Faculty of the Chemistry Department choose a distinguished industrial researcher, who gives two lectures, one typically on a scientific topic of current social relevance. Also, as part of the Meek Lecture, undergraduate researchers in the Chemistry Department present their research to the faculty, staff, students and invited guests.

   This Lectureship is designed to be an ongoing tribute to Dr. Meek's distinguished career of research, teaching, and service. It especially recognizes his untiring efforts to establish industrial/academic ties and to encourage students to pursue careers in chemistry.