Dr. Jack C. Pashin, professor and Devon Energy Chair of Basin Research in the Boone Pickens School of Geology at Oklahoma State University, received the Geological Society of America’s highest honor at a ceremony in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on Tuesday, Oct. 21.  Pashin was presented with the Gilbert H. Cady Award, which recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to the interdisciplinary field of coal geology. 

“My initial reaction to being selected was a combination of surprise, shock, and delight,” Pashin said.  “The list of recipients contains some of the mentors and colleagues I admire most, and to be considered part of that league is both gratifying and humbling.”

The award was given to Pashin for his years of research, instruction, and service.  He was elected a GSA Fellow in 2011 and was the Chair of the Coal Geology Division from 2009-2010.  He chairs and participates in research, program, and outreach committees of the GSA, American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), United States Geological Survey (USGS), and other organizations.  He has produced more than 300 publications, on a variety of topics in sedimentary geology, structural geology, and reservoir geology, and given more than 185 invited talks. 

A highly respected instructor, Pashin has served on more than 50 thesis and dissertation committees at nine major U.S. and Australian universities and supported over 30 B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. students on research grants. 

In his acceptance speech, Pashin said, “I find mentoring students highly gratifying and am discovering a range of new research possibilities.”

He received his undergraduate degree in geology from Bradley University in 1982 and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in geology from the University of Kentucky in 1985 and 1990.