Vitek Receives Distinguished Career Award
John D. Vitek, assistant dean of Graduate Studies at Texas A&M, received the Melvin G. Marcus Distinguished Career Award, the highest award in the field of geomorphology, at the annual meeting of the Geomorphology Specialty Group. One award is presented each year to an individual whose work has encouraged the advancement of geomorphology throughout his/her career.
According to his nominators, Vitek has made considerable contributions to the field of geomorphology, including co-founding the Geomorphology Specialty Group in 1980 and authoring 33 publications and nine book chapters. In addition, Vitek was the senior editor for the journal “Geomorphology” and continues to serve as the editor for special editions.
“The field of geomorphology has been immensely enriched by Jack Vitek’s remarkable contributions,” said Andrew Marcus, one of Vitek’s nominators. “In a career that balances research, administration, and education, he has made service to geomorphology a cornerstone of all his activities.”
Vitek also was recognized for his administrative accomplishments at Oklahoma State University where he was associate vice president for academic affairs and interim executive vice president and provost for academic affairs and at the Office of Graduate Studies at Texas A&M.
John R. Giardino, dean of Graduate Studies, noted his service in the past two years at Texas A&M.
“Jack’s contributions to both the field of geomorphology and to higher education, in general, have had a positive impact on students and faculty throughout the world,” Giardino said. “His accomplishments will long be remembered.”
Vitek is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the recipient of the 2001 Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium Achievement Award. When presented with the award, Vitek commented on his approach to the academia.
“It is not about you on the journey but about those you serve, be they students, colleagues or friends,” Vitek said.
