J.R. Berg Geology Faculty Fellow

John Robert ‘Bob’ Berg earned his degree in geology from the Swedish-founded Augustana College. He continued his education at the University of Iowa, completing his master’s and Ph.D. in geology and chemistry. Following graduation, he worked for E.I. duPont de Nemours Company as a chemical engineer and the Shell Oil Company as a geologist. During the 1940s, he served as consultant to the government of Brazil for oil exploration. A military intelligence officer during the Korean conflict, he rose to the rank of Colonel with the military reserve.

In 1946, Dr. Berg joined the faculty of the University of Wichita where he would serve more than 40 years, teaching every course in the geology department. From 1953-1963, and again from 1976-1981, he served as chair of the department, and from 1961-69 he was dean of University College and Continuing Education. Dr. Berg was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, an honorary member of the Kansas Geological Society and a life member of the Wichita Gem and Mineral Society.

Upon his retirement in 1987, the J.R. Berg Distinguished Petroleum Lecture Series was established, which was later changed to the J.R. Berg Geology Faculty Fellow. This fellowship is awarded to a faculty member within the department of geology. This award continues the legacy of teaching represented by Dr. J.R. Berg, whom many considered as ‘the man who taught me how to be a geologist.’