Roger Pearson (pictured at right), professor emeritus of the UA Geography Program, received the distinguished service award from the Association of Pacific Coast Geographers in September in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Pearson was recognized for his outstanding efforts on behalf of the Alaska Geographic Alliance. At the meeting in Idaho, he presented a paper, "Walter J. Hickel and the Shaping of Alaska's Landscape."
Dr. Pearson taught at UAF from 1976 to 1998 and served as department head for several years. A Senior Fellow at the Institute of the North, he conducts seminars on the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. He recently stepped down after nine years on the Board of Directors of the Kachemak Heritage Land Trust.
Pearson helped found the Alaska Geographic Alliance in 1989 and remains active in the organization, serving on the strategic planning committee, part of a larger strategic education initiative by the National Geographic Society.
Every year Pearson helps with the Alaska Geographic Bee, a fun and challenging competition that test students' geographic skills. He also works with the Anchorage School District's Alaska Network for Understanding American History program; his role is incorporating a geographic perspective into the study of American history.
"Geography education is important for all of us since we live in a highly interconnected world," Pearson said. "Geography is essential for understanding the spatial implications of the rapid changes (social, economic, and environmental) taking place in the world today.
"Alaska’s students, obviously, need to understand the international context for the state. In fact, before World War II, General Billy Mitchell made the comment that Alaska was the center of the world! Add to all this the fact that Alaska is the largest state in the union, and you have a rather compelling need for the study of Alaska’s geography. Besides, learning and doing geography is fun."
Pearson and his wife Marlene live in Nikiski, near Kenai. Pearson stated that when he needs teaching tips he refers to Marlene, a retired high school social studies and geography teacher.
The Pearsons enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, and traveling. They have five children and four grandchildren.
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