Advisory Council

  • A group photo of the advisory council with graduating seniors

    Members of the Advisory Council congratulate the department's graduating class of undergraduates!

  • Members of the Advisory Council congratulate the department's graduating class of graduate students!

  • A group of four men have a discussion in a board room

    As part of the Advisory Council meeting, council members and CAS Manager of Marketing and Communications, Michael Worline, discussed opportunities for updating the department's Lloyd J. Schmaltz Geology and Mineral Museum.

  • Students have a discussion with advisory council members

    Graduate students provide feedback on the museum renovation project in a breakout session at the Advisory Council meeting.

The Advisory Council for the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at Western Michigan University advises the department on the formulation of long-term educational plans and ensures that the academic programs meet today's industry needs.

The Council is the oldest active advisory council at Western Michigan University. The council members are distinguished industry and academic professionals in geosciences and business who have worked throughout the U.S. and the world, all of whom have a strong interest in helping to strengthen and support environmental and geological sciences at Western Michigan University. The council's tasks can be summarized as follows:

  • Advise the department regarding curriculum changes in order to meet current industry and employment trends.
  • Assist in producing environmental and geological sciences graduates who are well-prepared for employment and leadership roles. See our "Recommendations to Applicants in Search of Geosciences Positions."
  • Provide guidance to students through informal meetings and events.
  • Advocate departmental needs and activities to the University administration.
  • Collaborate with the University Office of Development and Alumni Relations on fundraising campaigns that support departmental activities.

Advisory Board officers

  • Jeff Hawkins, Chair
    President, Envirologic. Inc
    Phone: (269) 342-1100
    Expertise profile
  • Richard Laton, Ph.D., Vice Chair
    Professor of Hydrogeology, University of California at Fullerton
    Phone: (657) 278-7514
    Email: wlaton@fullerton.edu
    Expertise profile
  • Thomas C. Kamin, Secretary
    Independent Petroleum Production Geologist
    Phone: (972) 874-5050
    Expertise profile

Advisory Board Members

Emeritus members

  • William B. Harrison, III, Ph.D.
    Director of MGRRE and Emeritus Professor of Geosciences, WMU
    Phone: (269) 387-8691
    Email: william.harrison_iii@wmich.edu

Provisional members

  • Brian Shaw, Ph.D.
    Geologist and Founding Dean, Oettinger School of Science and Technology Intelligence at the National Intelligence University