Clint Boyd, State Geologist of North Dakota

On July 1st, Clint Boyd will be State Geologist of North Dakota, as successor to Ed Murphy who held the position since 2004. Clint is from Wisconsin, and he has had a passion for paleontology since high school. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and studied both biology and geology. He volunteered in fossil preparation at the university’s Geology Museum and joined field expeditions to Montana, Wyoming, and British Columbia. His graduate work at UT Austin was on dinosaurs, and in the summers, he worked on Eocene and Oligocene mammals at Badlands National Park in South Dakota. After his PhD in 2012, he was a Postdoc at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. In 2015, he joined the North Dakota Geological Survey as the Paleontology Section Manager. We wish you well, Clint!

Ed Murphy honored by his Governor

Pending his retirement as State Geologist at the end of June, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has commended Ed Murphy for his leadership, professionalism, and commitment to serving the people of North Dakota. As State Geologist since 2004 and more, Ed has made major contributions to the study of North Dakota’s geochemical and mineralogical resources, stratigraphy, geohazards, and other key geological fields. Anyone who worked with Ed can likely remember a time when he paused over a 35mm slide to share a story from his early days in the field. The knowledge and experience he gained over his nearly five-decade career helped establish North Dakota as a leader in geoscience and energy research. Well deserved, Ed! Congratulations on a successful career and your upcoming retirement!

- North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources

Brian Gootee, State Geologist of Arizona

On July 6, 2026, Brian Gootee will be State Geologist and Director of the Arizona Geological Survey, as successor to Phil Pearthree who has held the post since 2016. Brian has been with the AZGS for 19 years, after working as a consulting geologist in Arizona for 5 years. Brian has contributed extensively regarding geologic mapping, sedimentology, stratigraphy, water resources, landslide, floodings, fault hazards, and in recent years, geothermal, hydrogen gas storage, and carbon sequestration. Originally from Texas, he received his BS and MS degree at Arizona State University. Best of luck, Brian!

David Wunsch receives Emeritus honors at University of Delaware

Following his retirement in 2025, University of Delaware has appointed David Wunsch as an Emeritus Professor of Earth Sciences and Officer of the Delaware Geological Survey. He was State Geologist and Director of the Delaware Geological Survey from 2011 to 2025. The UD President and Provost recognized David’s long history of contributions and honors, many prior to his Delaware service, and noted that Emeritus status recognizes meritorious service and distinguished contributions to the university and the field. They stated their anticipation that David's legacy of excellence will continue to inspire and impact their academic community. Congratulations David!

Katie Sweeney JD, AASG Pick and Gavel Award 2026 recipient

The 2026 AASG Pick and Gavel Award has been presented to Katie Sweeney, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the National Mining Association, by AASG President and Colorado State Geologist Matt Morgan. Katie has been a respected advocate for the essential role of mining, and a good friend of AASG, for many years. The award honors people who have made significant contributions to advancing the role of geoscience in public policy and who have supported AASG’s goals in government affairs. Thank you for your ongoing service, Katie!

Walter A. Anderson, State Geologist of Maine from 1978 to 1995

Walter Anderson died on February 15, two weeks before his 96th birthday. He was born in Worcester MA in 1930, and studied geology at UMass and Rochester. In the 50s and 60s, he worked for Texaco in Houston. In 1968, he joined the Maine Geological Survey as Assistant State Geologist. He served as State Geologist from 1978 until his retirement in 1995. Walter worked with great integrity, as he built and broadened the Survey for the immense benefit of the people of Maine. He was very active in AASG, and led an active service in geology during retirement. He will be missed.

Mimi Garstang to receive Missouri State honorary doctorate

Missouri State University will grant its 25th honorary doctorate to alumna Mimi Garstang. “Mimi is deserving of this doctorate because she is the embodiment of Missouri State’s public affairs mission,” said the selection committee chair. “She has done so much for the field of geology and the state of Missouri.” In 1972, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in geology from what was then Southwest Missouri State University. In 1978, she joined the Missouri Geological Survey. She rose through the ranks and made history as the first woman to serve as state geologist of Missouri and director of the Missouri Geological Survey in 2000 – a position she held until 2008. Congratulations, Mimi!

- Missouri State

Ed Murphy to complete his time as North Dakota State Geologist

Edward C. Murphy will soon complete his time as Director of the North Dakota Geological Survey, a position he has held since 2004, when he was successor to John  Bluemle. Ed earned his B.S. in 1979 and his M.S. in 1983 in Geology from the University of North Dakota. He has worked as a geologist for the North Dakota Geological Survey for 46 years. Ed grew up in Bismarck as the son of a petroleum geologist. The position has been advertised. Well done, Ed!