GVSU is launching a geography department in response to increased student interest in the subject, and a demand for geographers in business and government. World-renowned geographer Harm de Blij is on hand today to help kick off the department.
We're so excited about stepping out on our own, said Ron Poitras, associate professor and chair of the budding department, which was recently part of the Anthropology and Sociology Department. There are more and more people becoming interested in studying geography and geographic information systems (GIS). And there are more jobs and internships available than we have students to fill them.
There are presently 187 students in Grand Valley's geography program, including 12 majors, 42 minors, 12 city and regional planning majors, and 121 group social science majors with an emphasis in geography.
To help start the new department, de Blij ¿ noted geographer, author, and television. personality ¿ will give an inaugural lecture, titled Geographic Literacy and National Security, today at 4 p.m. in the Richard M. DeVos Center's Loosemore Auditorium on the Pew Campus in downtown Grand Rapids. A reception will follow.
De Blij, who was the geography editor on ABC's Good Morning America for seven years, has been the geography analyst for NBC News since 1996. In his role as television's geographer, he has appeared from locations throughout the United States and around the world, using his trademark maps to explain the geographic background of major events. He has published more than 30 books.
Born in The Netherlands, de Blij received his college education in Africa and his higher degrees in the U.S. He holds a doctorate in geography from Northwestern University. De Blij, who specializes in geopolitical and environmental issues, is the founding editor of the National Geographic Society's scholarly journal, National Geographic Research.
Dr. De Blij is the most visible American geographer, said Laurie Gasahl, Geography instructor. He's out there in the trenches reminding Americans that geography is an important subject.
De Blij addressed members of GVSU's Grand Forum on Wednesday at the Alumni House and Visitor Center on the Allendale Campus. Grand Forum is an educational outreach program for people 55 and older.
