UA Adjunct Professor Elected President of Association of American State Geologists

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Berry H. (Nick) Tew Jr., Alabama’s State Geologist, an adjunct professor of geological sciences at The University of Alabama, and the director of the Geological Survey of Alabama, has begun a one-year term as president of the Association of American State Geologists.

The AASG represents the state geologists of the 50 United States and Puerto Rico. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, AASG seeks to advance the science and practical application of geology and related earth sciences in the United States and its territories, commonwealths, and possessions. The Association is an active national organization that provides information and perspectives to inform and influence the development of sound public policy related to the geosciences and natural resources.

“I am extremely honored to have been elected to this leadership position by my fellow state geologists,” said Tew. “AASG represents our nation’s geological surveys, which have an extremely important role to play in addressing many of the challenges that we face as a society — supplying energy, water and mineral resources to meet our future needs; helping to understand and live with natural hazards, such as earthquakes, landslides and floods; and dealing with climate change and its effects.

“Although our geological surveys currently make significant contributions in addressing societal needs and challenges, we have the potential to do much more. As president, it is my job to facilitate effective communication and coordination that allows AASG to fulfill its goals and objectives as we move into this future.”

Tew, who is affiliated with the department of geological sciences in UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, is an expert in Alabama geology, petroleum geology, and public policy in natural sciences and natural resources. He has a long history of representing the state of Alabama in geological matters, having served in numerous leadership roles in national and state geological organizations since the 1980s.

He has authored and co-authored more than 150 reports, journal articles, guidebooks, abstracts and other scholarly works and has given numerous presentations related to his work at regional, national and international meetings and conferences. In addition to heading the Geological Survey, Tew is the state oil and gas supervisor and director of the State Oil and Gas Board of Alabama. He received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from The University of Alabama.

The University of Alabama and the Geological Survey of Alabama, which is housed on campus, have a long and historic relationship, as well as a shared association and legacy with AASG. Dr. Eugene Allen Smith, the second State Geologist and a former professor at the University, was a founding member of AASG in 1908.

Additionally, three former state geologists of Alabama — Drs. Walter B. Jones, Philip E. LaMoreaux and Ernest A. Mancini — all served in the office of president of AASG. LaMoreaux served for many years as an adjunct professor of geology at UA, and Mancini is a Distinguished Research Professor and chairman of the department of geological sciences at UA.

UA’s department of geological sciences is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the “USA Today” Academic All American Teams.