Awards and Recognition

Dr. Robert O. Fay Celebrates Fifty Years with the Survey

Dr. Robert O. Fay celebrated 50 years with the Oklahoma Geological Survey, The University of Oklahoma, and the State of Oklahoma on Friday, August 11, at a reception held in his honor and at the Survey’s Oklahoma Petroleum Information Center in Norman.  Dr. Fay was honored with gifts, and by a number of special guests and family members who were present.  Dr. Fay treated the guests to a special Fay lecture on the “ancient and supersonic” bird Eoornis, a presentation for which he is justly famous.

Dr. Fay is the longest continuously OU employee, and is believe to be the longest State employee on record as well.  More information and photos. Download flyer

OGS Director Named Regents' Professor

Dr. Charles J. Mankin was honored with the title of Regents' Professor at the March meeting of the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents. Dr. Mankin is the longest-serving director of any state geological survey. In 1963 he was appointed Director of the OU School of Geology and Geophysics and served in that role until 1977. In 1967, he also was appointed Director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey and in 1978, became Executive Director of the Energy Resources Institute at OU, serving until 1987. In November of 2000, he was appointed as Director of Sarkeys Energy Center and served in that capacity until the spring of 2006, when the position was incorporated into the duties of the dean of the newly created College of Earth and Energy. As director of the Sarkeys Energy Center, Dr. Mankin also held the Day Family Chair. Along with these duties, Dr. Mankin has served numerous professional organizations in many capacities.

In presenting the award, OU President David L.. Boren said Mankin's dedication to the geological programs at OU make him an excellent candidate for this honor. Boren noted that many OU Presidents have called on Dr. Mankin to be director of two separate organizations at OU. Sometimes, he said, Dr. Mankin was asked to perform these duties on a "temporary" basis, but sometimes the "temporary" position lasted for years. The President emphasized how appreciative he is of Dr. Mankin's willingness to serve whenever asked, both now and when Boren was Governor of Oklahoma.

"His scholarship, teaching and research have left a lasting mark on our state and its economy and energy industry," Boren said.

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