University President Elected as a New Geological Society of America Fellow

MARIETTA, Ga., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council of the Geological Society of America (GSA) has elected Southern Polytechnic State University President Dr. Lisa A. Rossbacher a new GSA Fellow.

The GSA is one of the largest and most prestigious organizations for professionals in geology and its recognition of Dr. Rossbacher's contribution to the discipline is a high honor. She will be recognized at the 2010 GSA Annual Meeting on October 30, 2010 in Denver.

GSA's mission is to be a leader in advancing the geosciences, enhancing the professional growth of its members, and promoting the geosciences in the service to humankind and stewardship of the Earth.

When Dr. Rossbacher was inaugurated as president of Southern Polytechnic State University in 1998, she was the first woman geologist to become a university president in North America.

She received a bachelor of science degree in geology from Dickinson College as well as a master of arts degree in geological sciences from the State University of New York at Binghamton. She also earned both a M.A. and Ph.D. in geological and geophysical science from Princeton University.  Prior to moving to Cobb County, she held the position of Dean of the Faculty at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Penn.

She is the author of four books: Career Opportunities in Geology and the Earth Sciences; Recent Revolutions in Geology; Geomedia: A Guide for Geoscientists who meet the Press (with Rex Buchanan); Physical Geology: the Lab Manual (with geology faculty members at Princeton University and Whittier College).

Dr. Rossbacher was born and raised in Virginia. She is married to Dr. Dallas D. Rhodes, head of the Department of Geology and Geography at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga.

At Southern Polytechnic State University, students study the sciences and technologies in a unique, practical manner, as they pursue an education that is career-based and well balanced. SPSU is a residential, co-educational member of the University System of Georgia with approximately 5,200 students who study on the 198 acres of naturally wooded landscape in the historic and vibrant city of Marietta (just 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta). SPSU, through a fusion of technology with the liberal arts and sciences, creates a learning community that encourages thoughtful inquiry, diverse perspectives and strong preparation of our graduates to be leaders in an increasingly technological world.

SOURCE Southern Polytechnic State University