Published: April 2, 2000

Robert Maust, director of the University of Colorado at Boulder alcohol awareness program "A Matter of Degree," has been named an Associate of the Alcohol and other Drug Prevention program of The Higher Education Center.

The Higher Education Center is a program of the U.S. Department of Education.

According to Ron Stump, CU-Boulder interim vice chancellor for student affairs, "Bob MaustÂ’s appointment recognizes more than just his training with HEC. ItÂ’s a testament to the contributions heÂ’s already made on our campus and the skills he has to offer other college communities."

Maust holds a law degree from Wayne State University and has served for more than 30 years as a senior administrator in both public and private colleges, including posts of dean of students and vice president for student affairs. As Director of A Matter of Degree, Maust analyzes the role that alcohol plays in student cultures and in the larger academic and local communities where students live and work.

The U.S. Department of Education established the Higher Education Center in 1993 as the nationÂ’s primary resource for assisting institutions of higher education in developing and implementing policies and programs to prevent alcohol abuse and other drug use. The program encompasses alcohol and drug issues both on campuses and in surrounding communities.

Thirty Associates completed the orientation after being selected through a national application and nomination process. They serve the nationÂ’s higher education community by joining with Center staff to provide technical assistance, develop and deliver training curricula and workshops, and assist with the development and review of publications to support these efforts.

"The training and services provided by The Higher Education Center are exceptional," said Maust. "ItÂ’s an honor to be a part of the U.S. Department of EducationÂ’s efforts with alcohol and drug prevention."

A Matter of Degree is funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. CU-Boulder is one of 10 campuses that participate in the grant.

The program applies a cooperative, public health approach to reducing campus binge drinking by addressing the total social environment that influences drinking behavior.