Barbara Tewksbury
Doctor of Science

Barbara Jarvis Tewksbury, Class of 1973, inspires her students at Hamilton to do what geoscientists do rather than simply learn about what know. In this model of science teaching, exemplified by St. Lawrence faculty in her time at the University and today, Barbara Tewksbury proves that experiential, cooperative learning in science creates the most innovative and accomplished science graduates.

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in geology, Prof. Tewksbury earned her master’s and doctorate at the University of Colorado; her academic focus is on structural and planetary geology and plate tectonics. She joined the Hamilton faculty in 1978 and now holds the endowed William R. Kenan Professorship of Geology.

Her colleagues at Hamilton and internationally have honored her with awards and leadership positions of every kind. She is past president of the American Geological Institute, of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (which represents over 100,000 scientists) and of the Geology Division, Council on Undergraduate Research. She was New York State Teacher of the Year in 1997 and recipient of the 2003 Neil Miner Award from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. A leader in science pedagogy reform, Prof. Tewksbury teaches a course that has been recognized by The American Association of Colleges and Universities as a model course linking teaching of science to human issues.

Having visited St. Lawrence University several times as guest lecturer, and knowing many St. Lawrence faculty through shared interest in Project Kaleidoscope (a national movement to improve undergraduate teaching in science and mathematics), Prof. Tewksbury honors her alma mater by her scholarship, her teaching, her leadership and her devotion to students.  St. Lawrence holds Prof. Barbara Tewksbury in highest esteem for all she does as an exemplary college science teacher, and offers her the symbol of that esteem, the degree Doctor of Science, honoris causa.