Today I met with Dr. Doug Crowe, head of the geology department at the University of Georgia. We discussed the lack of PhD professors entering the teaching profession in geology as well as mining engineering programs. Specifically, he pointed to the critical need for economic geology professors in U.S. universities. On the positive front, Crowe said their undergraduate enrollment in geology last year was 120 students. Further, he said the students are entering geology majors in search of high-paying jobs in the mining, oil and gas industries. As a member of the alumni board for UGA's geology department, it will be a goal of mine and the board to seek permanent endowments to fund these student's needs in areas such as applied field school and scholarships, since Crowe said his operating budget for his department has been cut in half the last few years.
I am also on the geology department's program for October 18, to talk to faculty and students about the current state of the U.S. mining industry. I will also use this opportunity to bring UGA in as a new student chapter to SME. (My timing for this meeting with Crowe was poor since the semester ended about a week ago).
