Former AGI Medalist William A. Thomas Passes Away

Alexandria, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) shares the news of the passing of colleague and friend Dr. William A. “Bill” Thomas on October 1, 2022. Dr. Thomas served as a Visiting Scientist at the Geological Survey of Alabama since 2010 and was the James S. Hudnall Professor Emeritus of Geology at the University of Kentucky. He also held positions as Professor of Geology at four additional institutions and as a geologist at Chevron Oil in his early career.

Dr. Thomas served as Treasurer of AGI (1997-1999) and President of the Geological Society of America (2004-2006). In 2018, Dr. Thomas received AGI’s Marcus Milling Legendary Geoscientist Medal in recognition of his impactful scientific achievements and service to the Earth sciences.

AGI Executive Director Jonathan Arthur said, “Bill was a powerful, positive force in the geoscience community, leading not only through his work in research, teaching, and numerous publications and presentations worldwide but also in his service to geoscience professional societies. I was looking forward to working with him and appreciated his focus and passion for geoscience outreach.” Dr. Thomas was set to become President Elect of the AGI Board of Directors later this month.