Vicki J. Cowart has been named the 29th recipient of the Medal in honor of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences. Cowart will be presented this prestigious award at the Geological Society of America Presidential Address Ceremony in Denver, Colorado on October 30, 2010.
Cowart earned a B.S. in physics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a M.S. in geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines. After receiving her degrees she spent 16 years in the petroleum industry. First she worked as an exploration geophysicist for Mobil (now ExxonMobil) then an exploration manager for ARCO and finally as a technical sales and operations manager for Schlumberger Ltd. After working in industry, she served as the Colorado State Geologist from 1993-2003 where she was instrumental in establishing the Survey's geologic mapping program and secured funding from the state legislature for both the survey and its Avalanche Information Center. Currently, Cowart is the President and CEO for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains.
In addition to the Ian Campbell Medal, Cowart has received many awards and distinctions including; the Colorado School of Mines' Distinguished Achievement Medal, the AIPG John T. Galey, Sr. Memorial Public Service Award, the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Distinguished Public Service to the Earth Sciences Award, the Association for Women Geoscientists Distinguished Service Award, and the Colorado Citizens' Leadership Excellence Award.
Throughout her career, Cowart has served in many leadership roles within the geoscience community. She helped found the Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG) where she served as its first National President and was critical in the development of the AWG Foundation. During her tenure as Colorado State Geologist, Cowart was active in the Association of American State Geologists (AASG), served as Treasurer, Vice President, and President of that organization, and continues as an Honorary Member. Cowart is also a member of the Colorado School of Mines Board of Trustees.
AGI feels that Cowart's longtime work in the geosciences and dedication to organizations such as AASG and AWG combined with her leadership roles make her extremely deserving of the Medal in honor of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences.
The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 47 geoscientific and professional associations that represents more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources, resiliency to natural hazards, and interaction with the environment.