Dean Wise ’76 with Department of Geography summer research students. (Left to right) Aryaman Chobey ’25, Professor Daisaku Yamamoto, Professor Bill Meyer, Professor Mike Loranty, Dean Wise ’76, Tingkuan Hsieh ’24, Thomas Butler ’24, and Sophie Schadler ’23.
Dean Wise ’76 has had a long and varied career in logistics, fueled by the spirit of inquiry and the liberal arts education he received as a geography major.
Taking some time out from Reunion 2022, Dean talked with the geography department’s summer research students. He touched on topics as varied as the start of his interest in geography with Professor Ted Herman, the intersection between economics and geography in business, technology and automation in transportation, and the potential looming food crisis in Egypt due to the war in Ukraine. He also discussed projects led by the American Geographical Society, of which he is on the Board of Directors, including initiatives to promote teaching geography in states that have not had historically robust geography programs and potential internships for college-aged students.
Students asked questions about many topics, including future careers in consulting, jobs in which a geography degree could be useful, and the timing of post-graduate degrees. Dean provided important insights and encouraged current geography students in their geo-spatial education, whenever it might occur.
It was great hosting Dean, and we appreciate him taking the time to chat.