FHSU University News
Dr. Henry Agbogun, Fort Hays State University assistant professor of geosciences/geology, will be presented with the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Foundation’s Inspirational Geoscience Educator Award in August at the International Meeting for Applied Geoscience & Energy meeting in Houston.
The Inspirational Geoscience Educator Award is an annual award from the AAPG Foundation to a geoscience professor who has inspired students to appreciate geoscience and motivated them to pursue geologic careers. The awardee is selected from individuals nominated by students, faculty members, or industrial professionals.
Minimum selection criteria for a nominee to be eligible for consideration for this award include: must have a PhD in geoscience with a minimum of three years of full-time teaching at a higher education institute, must be a full-time assistant or associate professor within ten years of their initial tenure track appointment at the time of nomination, must also teach courses that include topics that apply to geologic history of earth’s resources.
Through the selection process, nominees are evaluated not only on the contents of their coursework but also on their ability to motivate and inspire students in geologic studies.
“I feel privileged and grateful to have my commitment to geoscience education recognized by worldwide organizations like AAP and the AAPG Foundation,” Agbogun said. “It certainly encourages me to continue striving for excellence.”
In addition to the honor of being selected to receive this award from among many educators who are making an impact on students in geosciences, the award comes with a monetary stipend and special recognition with other award winners at the annual IMAGE event in Huston this fall.
Agbogun is the 13th recipient since the award program began in 2012 and is the second FHSU faculty member to receive this award. Dr. Hendratta Ali received the award in 2017.
In making this award announcement, foundation chair Jim McGhay noted that in the history of this award, this is the first time two faculty members from the same institution have been selected.
Agbogun teaches courses in environmental geology, structural geology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, hydrogeochemistry, principles of geophysics, and petroleum geochemistry. He has received praise from faculty and students, who have seen and experienced his dedication to his students and successes in geoscience.
Known among students for his enthusiasm for discussing geosciences-related topics in his wide array of courses, Agbogun actively encourages students to ask questions and strive to comprehend various related topics.
In the nomination for this award, it was noted that to prepare his students for further education and careers, Agbogun emphasizes the relationship between many geologic topics and processes with real-world examples for his students to relate to.
He has been described as inspirational, exciting, and creative, with great dedication and knowledge of geoscience, teaching, and skills for higher education and careers in geosciences.