New School of Earth and Environmental Science Organized

PULLMAN, Wash. — The new Washington State University School of Earth and Environmental Science (SEES), created by the merger of the former Department of Geology and the Program in Environmental Science and Regional Planning, recently announced its new leadership. Serving as Interim Director is Steve Bollens, professor and director of Science Programs at WSU Vancouver.

“The timing is perfect for the creation of SEES,” said Bollens. “We are very excited about how the dynamic at WSU is building in concert with national and international trends. Geology had strengths in physical sciences and Environmental Sciences had strengths in biological and social sciences. By bringing the two together, we can create connections, integration and collaborations between the two and beyond. Earth, oceanic and atmospheric research questions are being thought of in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary ways. SEES should be very well positioned to step into new research and funding opportunities.”

Bollens will maintain his office in Vancouver and establish a second office in Webster Hall, room 1228, in the former geology department offices in the Pullman campus. Two associate directors will assist with administrative duties. Professor David Gaylord, a geologist, will assist with research and graduate studies issues, and Assistant Professor Richard Gill, an environmental scientist, will answer undergraduate studies questions. Karen Libey, still located in Webster, heads the office staff in the areas of finance and personnel, while Elaine O’Fallon, who is located in Troy 308, is in charge of student services.

SEES is housed in the College of Sciences and was approved by the WSU Board of Regents at their May 5, 2006, meeting. The new school will continue to offer a full range of degrees in geology and environmental sciences. “We look to expand curricula and to strengthen existing opportunities to collaborate within these degrees and with other units,” said Bollens.

SEES has 13 faculty members and instructors on the Pullman campus, three professors at WSU Vancouver and two adjunct professors at WSU Tri-Cities.

The Center for Environmental Research, Education and Outreach (CEREO), a university-wide unit, is being concurrently, but separately, organized. Emmett Fiske, a professor in the Department of Community and Rural Sociology and interim director of CEREO, will soon have offices open in Troy Hall. The mission of CEREO is to foster WSU system-wide, high quality environmental research, collaborative grant proposals and outreach through seminars, workshops and visiting scholars, as well as become an informational resource for prospective students. CEREO was approved by the Faculty Senate last April and is not an instructional unit.