Dr. Douglas E. Jones

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Douglas E. Jones, University of Alabama professor emeritus of geology and curator of invertebrate paleontology at the Alabama Museum of Natural History, will be the featured speaker for UA’s winter commencement ceremonies Monday, Dec. 15 at Coleman Coliseum on the UA campus.

Jones will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree during the 9 a.m. ceremony. Approximately 1,000 degrees will be conferred.

Jones, a 1952 UA alumnus, began his teaching career at UA in 1958. In addition to teaching and research activities during his long tenure, Jones served as department head, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, dean of University Libraries, vice president for academic affairs, and executive director of the UA Museums. He has served as a consultant in engineering geology, and oil and gas and mineral exploration and development. He has authored and edited a number of articles and books on geology, paleontology, 16th century Spanish explorations in the Americas, gold prospecting in New Guinea, and Civil War history.

In addition to his bachelor’s degree from UA, Jones also earned a Ph.D. in geology and paleontology from Louisiana State University in 1959.

Currently, Jones is a trustee of the Southern Environmental Law Center in Charlottesville, Va., and the Nature Conservancy of Alabama.

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