Lewis M. Alexander

“Lew” Alexander, an Emeritus Professor of Geography and Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island, died at the age of 91.

Alexander created a national and international following for the Department of Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island, according to the university’s website, in large part due to his “focus on the global ocean and its management through his contributions to the United Nations Law of the Sea Conference, and, later, through his work at the Department of State, where he served as geographer.”

Prior to joining URI, Alexander taught at the State University of New York, Binghamton. During the Reagan Administration, Alexander also served as the geographer for the US State Department, which overlapped with his tenure at URI. Alexander earned a BA from Middlebury College and a doctorate from Clark University. Following his academic career, Alexander joined the army during World War II. Later, he served with the Air Force for four years, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant.

In 1981, Alexander received AAG Honors from the Association of American Geographers for his accomplishments in scholarship, teaching, education, and service.

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