J. Whitfield "Whit" Gibbons papers
Collection DescriptionHistorical NoteJ. Whitfield "Whit" Gibbons is Professor Emeritus of Ecology at the University of Georgia and Senior Research Ecologist Emeritus at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL). Beginning in 1977, Dr. Gibbon's taught popular advanced undergraduate/graduate courses in Herpetology at the University of Georgia. The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory's outreach efforts formally began in 1991 under the leadership of Dr. Gibbons. The program was initially known as the Division of Environmental Outreach and Education and then later as the SREL Environmental Outreach and Education Program of the University of Georgia. The name reflected SREL's and Gibbon's significant commitment to educate the public as well as the scientific community. A graduate research participation program was a vital component of SREL's outreach efforts during those early years and many of his students went on to highly influential careers in herpetology, ecology and conservation. Dr. Gibbons is the author or editor of 25 books on herpetology and ecology and has published more than 250 articles in scientific journals. In addition to numerous awards and honors, Gibbons did commentaries on National Public Radio and has appeared on numerous television shows. He has had more than 1000 popular articles on Ecology published in magazines and newspapers. This included a weekly newspaper environmental issues column that continued for 30 years. He also wrote more than 100 encyclopedia articles on Ecology plus the first merit badge booklet entitled "Reptile and amphibian study" for the Boy Scouts of America. In addition, a species of turtle, Graptemys gibbonsi, is named in his honor. Scope and ContentThe collection consists of numerous notes, correspondence, and drafts relating to Dr. Gibbons' works and teaching. There are also article and book manuscripts, plus reports of project results. In addition, a number of both professional and personal photographs are in the collection along with some very striking illustrations of snakes and turtles. Organization and ArrangementArranged into six series: 1. Projects and proposals 2. Herpetology classes 3. Publications and related materials 4. Administrative materials 5. Photographs and illustrations and 6. Artifacts. Administrative InformationPreferred CitationJ. Whitfield "Whit" Gibbons papers, UA19-002, University Archives, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries. Finding Aid PublicationFinding aid prepared on: 2019. General NotesRG4-5 Related Materials and SubjectsSubject Terms |
Special Collections Libraries
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-1641