Duncan McGregor, former State Geologist of South Dakota

Dr. Duncan J. McGregor, Ph.D., 93, and former Director of the South Dakota Geological Survey, died at home in Vermillion, SD, on September 14, 2014.

Duncan was born January 3, 1921 at St. Joseph, MO to the Rev. Duncan E. and Elma B (Lawrence) McGregor. He graduated from high school in Lawrence, KS, and earned his bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Kansas. Duncan served in the U.S. Navy Reserve in WWII as a communications officer aboard the escort carrier U.S.S. Thetis Bay, CVE- 90, in the Pacific Theater. After the war Duncan married Thelma Dewsbury in Auburn, MA whom he had met while at the Navy's communications school at Harvard. The couple celebrated their 66 anniversary on June 30, 2012.

Duncan and Thelma moved to Lawrence, KS in 1946 where he completed a Master’s degree in geology at KU. After working for Sinclair Oil for several years in Wyoming, during which time his daughter, Lynn, was born [in 1949].


Duncan was the South Dakota State Geologist from 1963-1981.  He retired from the Survey in 1981 retaining his role as professor of geology and serving as Chairman of the USD Department of Earth Resources until his full retirement in 1986, when he was awarded the rank of professor emeritus.

At USD, Duncan was an active member of the faculty serving on the University budget committee among others. He presented the Dean Harrington Lecture in 1985 and was an was an active member of the Clay County Historical Society and the Vermillion Rotary Club, he was honored with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

Duncan and Thelma were longtime active members of the Vermillion United Church of Christ in Vermillion.

Duncan is survived by his daughter Lynn (Jerry) Ochs of Yukon, OK and two sons: Scott (Karen) McGregor of Rapid City, SD and Brett (Val) of Nebraska City, NE, grandchildren Melissa (Everett) Robins and Andromeda (Jacob) Morrison and great grandchildren Sophie and Ethan Robins.

He was predeceased by his wife of over 66 years, Thelma, who died January 27, 2013 and two brothers: Ronald and Kenneth. A memorial has been established at the Vermillion Public Library.

A memorial service honoring both Duncan and Thelma will be held at a later date. The Hansen Funeral Home in Vermillion is handling the arrangements.

Reprinted from the Hansen Funeral Home memorial

Celebrate Geologic Map Day, October 17

Celebrate the third annual Geologic Map Day! On October 17, as part of the Earth Science Week 2014 activities, join leading geoscience organizations in promoting awareness of the importance of geologic mapping to society. Focusing on the theme of “Earth’s Connected Systems,”
Earth Science Week 2014 will be celebrated October 12‐18.

Geologic maps are vital to education, science, business, and public policy concerns. Geologic Map Day will focus the attention of students, teachers, and the public on the study, uses, and significance of these tools, by engaging audiences through educational activities, print materials, online resources, and public outreach.

“We use geologic maps to show the history lesson of the earth and to help us make informed decisions about how to connect with earth systems now and into the future” noted Oregon State Geologist, Vicki S. McConnell. McConnell serves as the AASG Geologic Map Day committee chair. “Learning to make and to read a geologic map is really fun and rewarding. Go see what your state geologic survey is doing on Geologic Map Day”.

To find your state’s geologic survey and additional geologic mapping information go to
http://www.stategeologists.org/ and click on the state of interest.

Geologic Map Day’s organizing partners include the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), the
Association of American State Geologists, the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Park Service, the
Geological Society of America, and Esri.

[post provided by AASG]

Revised position description: Director, Oklahoma Geological Survey

DIRECTOR

OKLAHOMA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

The Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS) seeks applications for an exceptional, dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the 8^th Director in its 106-year history.  Located on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman, Oklahoma, the OGS is a key public research and service organization, and the only state geological survey in the nation chartered in a state constitution.   The OGS mission focuses on investigating and disseminating information regarding land, water, mineral and energy resources, and promoting sound environmental practices.

Organizationally, the OGS is located within the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy, and the OGS Director reports to the College Dean.  Also located in the College are the ConocoPhillips School of Geology and Geophysics, and the Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering.  The ConocoPhillips School of Geology and Geophysics, founded by Charles Gould in 1900, is home to the first school of Petroleum Geology, with the first degree granted in 1904.   Charles Gould subsequently became the first Director of the OGS.  The Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering is home to the first school of Petroleum Engineering, with the first petroleum engineering degree being granted in 1927.

Candidates should hold a doctorate or have the equivalent experience in geology, geophysics or a closely related field.  Prior experience with a public agency, such as the OGS, would be beneficial.  If appropriate, the successful candidate may hold a dual appointment as a faculty member within the College.  Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The Director of the OGS has the responsibility of overseeing activities related to geological and geophysical studies of Oklahoma and adjacent areas, preparation of reports documenting the findings of these studies, communication of these results to individuals and agencies, and engaging the general public as appropriate and/or required.

The position requires supervision and administration of an organization of approximately 40 staff and associated facilities including offices, labs and the Oklahoma Petroleum Information Center (OPIC), which contains an extensive collection of rock cores and samples, other well information and selected facilities for the examination of these cores and samples.  It is anticipated that the Director of the OGS will work with Oklahoma universities, state and federal agencies, industry and other entities to conduct research in areas of public interest, as well as provide advice and service in the areas of geology, geophysics and natural resources.  The ability to assist OGS personnel in developing programs and proposals to acquire research funding in support of OGS activities will also be a consideration.

The OGS is one of five State Surveys at the University of Oklahoma; the others are the Oklahoma Climatological Survey, Oklahoma Water Survey, Oklahoma Archeological Survey and Oklahoma Biological Survey.  Specific activities of the OGS include the following:

(a)    A study of the geological formations of the state with special reference to its natural resources, including coal, oil, gas, asphalt, gypsum, salt, cement, stone, clay, lead, zinc, iron, sand, road building material, water resources and all other mineral resources.

(b)   Management of the Oklahoma seismic recording network, and the reporting and analysis of earthquake activity in the state; an area of current high interest given the recent, significant increase in Oklahoma earthquake activity.

(c)    The preparation and publication of bulletins and reports, accompanied with necessary illustrations and maps, including both general and detailed descriptions of the geological structure and mineral resources of the state.

(d)   The consideration of such other related scientific and economic questions that shall be deemed of value to the people of Oklahoma.

The successful candidate will have the demonstrated experience and ability to oversee these activities, while embracing the public service mission of the OGS and acting as the State Geologist of Oklahoma.  Areas of experience that could be considered include an appropriate background with state or national surveys, administration in academia, experience in industry or research, or other related areas. 

 

Review of candidates will begin October 15^th, 2014 and continue until the position is filled.  The anticipated starting date is as soon as practical in early 2015.  Applicants are requested to submit a complete resume, statement of relevant experience and a list of five references who can be contacted, including names, phone numbers, e-mail addresses and complete mailing addresses.  Questions or requests for additional information may be addressed to Larry R. Grillot, Dean of the Mewbourne College of Earth & Energy, and Chair of the OGS Director Search Committee, at (405) 325-3821, or lrgrillot@ou.edu.  Applications and nominations should be addressed to OGS Director Search Committee, University of Oklahoma, Sarkeys Energy Center, 100 East Boyd Street, Room 1510, Norman, OK 73019-1008.

The University of Oklahoma is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.  Women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Position opening: Outreach Coordinator, Kansas Geological Survey

The Kansas Geological Survey has an opening for Outreach Coordinator (00008422). 

Duties are to coordinate the Outreach program, which furthers the mission of the KGS by developing materials, projects, and services that communicate information about the geology of Kansas, the state's natural resources, and the products of the KGS to the people of the state. 

First consideration will be given to applications received by September 15, 2014.