A Note from the Dean
June 15, 2026
What a season it has been for the Jackson School of Geosciences. This spring, we celebrated our Class of 2026 crossing the stage at commencement, with 67 undergraduates and 51 graduate students heading off to careers in geology, energy, critical minerals, environmental and water sciences, climate and extreme weather studies and interdisciplinary research, involving law, policy, engineering and beyond. It is always amazing and truly inspiring to see our graduates celebrate with the family, friends and faculty who supported them on their journey. It’s great to be a Longhorn! As the new Jackson School Dean, I couldn’t be more proud and excited!
Our bright future and success are built on a strong and forward-looking foundation in research and education. This spring also brought the remarkable news that four of our graduate programs now rank in the top five nationally, with Geology at No. 2, Paleontology at No. 3, Earth Sciences at No. 4 and Geophysics and Seismology at No. 5, according to U.S. News & World Report. This recognition reflects the world-class faculty, scientists and graduate student researchers who make this school what it is every day.
These are exciting times at the Jackson School, and the best is yet to come. What starts here truly changes the world!