KNOXVILLE, Tenn.–Dr. Sid Jumper, head of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville’s department of geography from 1977 to 1995, was recognized Friday for his contributions to the department and the field of geography.
Jumper was honored by the department’s board of advisors during its fall meeting here. He has been geography professor emeritus since 1997.
UT-Knoxville Chancellor Bill Snyder said recognition of Jumper was appropriate and well deserved.
“Sid Jumper always has excelled as a teacher, researcher, and public servant,” Snyder said. “Through his work, he had touched the lives of thousands of people, including many children in Tennessee schools.”
Accomplishments cited by the board included Jumper’s efforts to develop and improve geography education in state schools through the Tennessee Geographic Alliance. His role in helping the department secure a new building for its programs and activities also was noted.
Mrs. Margaret Montgomery, sister of the late Dr. William W. Burchfiel Jr., attended the recognition service. Burchfiel gave $4 million for the new geography building, now under construction on “the Hill.”
Robert Sims, senior vice president of the National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C., also attended the event. Jumper and Gilbert M. Grosvenor, chairman of the geographic society’s board, are long-time friends.
In 1986, Jumper and Grosvenor worked together to form the Tennessee Geographic Alliance, a partnership between UT and the geographic society to improve geography instruction for school children in the state.
Most recently the National Geographic Society provided $250,000 to match a gift to the geography department by a Knoxville couple, Harrison and Robbie Livingston. The gift helps fund population studies and research.
Grosvenor is scheduled to be UT-Knoxville’s fall commencement speaker 3 p.m., Dec. 20 in Thompson-Boling Arena.
Jumper holds honorary life memberships in the National Geographic Society and the Southeastern Division of the Association of American Geographers.
In 1990 Jumper was awarded the Chancellor’s Citation for extraordinary service to the university. He was presented the Distinguished Service Award of the UT National Alumni Association in 1994.