History of the Geology Foundation

The UT Geology Foundation was established by the Board of Regents in 1953 "to foster and to promote the growth, progress, and development of geological education, research, and graduate study at the University of Texas." Along with the Law School Foundation, also created in 1953, the Geology Foundation was the first outside organization established to support an academic unit at the University.

By any measure, the Geology Foundation has been spectacularly successful. As of October 1, 2005, the school's endowments and assets had a book value of about $366 million. A majority of this total resulted from the late John A. and Katherine G. Jackson’s bequest in 2002 of endowments and royalty assets presently valued at $300 million. Even prior to the Jackson gift, however, the Geology Foundation had the highest assets per student of any foundation on campus at the University—a testament to the generosity and success of the University's geoscience alumni and friends.

The Geology Foundation Advisory Council is composed of 38 members appointed for terms of up to three years in length and 7 Honorary Life Members. The Council meets twice a year in the middle of the fall and spring semesters. Members are appointed by the president of The University in coordination with the Development Board, upon recommendation by the Council. The By-laws and Procedures of the Geology Foundation Advisory Council, most recently revised in 2001, state that the "purposes of the Council are to promote the recognition, welfare, and progress of the John A. and Katherine G. Jackson School of Geosciences, and to encourage financial support of the Geology Foundation." Specific objectives are to:

• Assist faculty, research staff, and students in strengthening fundamental education in the areas included in the School.
• Provide input in maintaining high-quality curricula and degree programs at the School.
• Generate and maintain an active interest in and commitments to the School.
• Inform the public, alumni and friends of The University about the School.
• Promote its work and services to the State and Nation.

Back to top ^