Kenneth Pitzer

Kenneth Sanborn Pitzer (1914–December 26, 1997) was an American theoretical chemist and educator.

He received his B.S. in 1935 from the California Institute of Technology and his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1937. Upon graduation, he was appointed to the faculty of Berkeley's Chemistry Department and was eventually elevated to professor. From 1951 ro 1960, he served as dean of the College of Chemistry.

He was the third president of Rice University from 1961 until 1968 and sixth president of Stanford University from 1969 until 1971 when he returned to Berkeley. He retired in 1984, but contined to research until his death.

He was Director of Research for the Atomic Energy Commission from 1949 to 1951 and a member of the National Academy of Sciences

As a scientist he was known for his work on the thermodynamic properties of molecules, and during his long career he won many awards, mostly notably the National Medal of Science.

His father Russell K. Pitzer founded Pitzer College, one of the five Claremont Colleges in California.

Preceded by: Wallace Sterling

President of Stanford University

Succeeded by: Richard W. Lyman