Benjamin Moulton

Benjamin Moulton, longtime chair of the Department of Geography and Geology at Indiana State University died September 30, 2006 at age eighty-nine in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Professor Moulton graduated from Clark University in 1939, earned a master’s from Butler University in 1941 and a second master’s from Indiana University in 1945. He received a PhD from Indiana University in 1950. Before joining the faculty at Indiana State University in 1961, he taught at Butler University, University of Florida, Florida State University, Western Reserve University, Flint Community College, and Eastern Michigan University. He served as professor and chairman of the Department of Geography and Geology from 1964 to 1983. He founded the master’s programs in geography and geology and the PhD program in geography at Indiana State University. The graduate programs were founded with a focus on satellite remote sensing and computer spatial analysis and set the new graduate program apart from others. When he retired in 1983, thirty-five graduate students were in residence.

Professor Moulton published seventeen articles, reviewed more than forty books, taught graduate courses in geography at six colleges and universities, directed twelve field courses to Alaska and the northwestern United States, led annual field trips throughout Indiana, served on more than twenty-five Indiana State University committees, and directed in-service institutes for teachers of earth science. He worked with fourteen science fairs in Michigan and Indiana and was a judge in ten others. He was honored by the National Council for Geographic Education for his outstanding contributions to undergraduate and graduate education in geography and for his excellence in mentoring students. Upon his retirement, the Benjamin Moulton Award was established at Indiana State University for students demonstrating excellence in graduate academic prowess. Moulton remained an active participant in departmental functions throughout his emeritus years.

Benjamin Moulton (Necrology). 2006. AAG Newsletter 41(11): 22.