Berea native Dr. James Lawrence Powell, geologist and higher education leader, to speak at Berea College recognition ceremony for mid-year graduates Dec. 10

Dr. James Lawrence Powell, a geologist and distinguished leader in higher education will address the 67 seniors participating in the recognition ceremony for mid-year graduates at Berea College on Sunday, December 10, beginning at 3 p.m. in Phelps Stokes Chapel. Students participating in the ceremony are expected to complete degree requirements at the end of December 2006 or January 2007.Powell also will be receiving an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Berea for his lifelong professional achievements in the sciences, higher education and in education of the broader public.

Powell has led four institutions of higher education as President. Capping 21 years of service at Oberlin College where he taught geology and later served as vice president and provost, Powell assumed the role of Acting President from 1981- 83. From 1983-88, he was President of Franklin and Marshall College. He later served as President of Reed College and was President and CEO of Franklin Institute.

As a geologist, Powell has been a leader in public education and author of several popular books in his field. Between the years of 1994-2001, he was president and director of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. Since 2001, he has served as executive director of the National Physical Science Consortium. Powell’s books include “Night Comes to the Cretaceous” and “Mysteries of Terra Firma.”

A native of Berea who attended Berea College schools from pre-school through College, Powell graduated from the College in 1958 with a degree in geology. He earned his Ph.D. in geochemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His mother Lizena Powell and sister Mary E. Powell Stillwell are also graduates of the College. Currently. Powell lives in Buellton, Calif. with his wife, Joan Hartman, an attorney.