The Department of Geography was a part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences during its time of operation from 1955 to 1965. It then became a part of the newly established College of Social Sciences and remained so until 1981 when it became a part of the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences. The Department of Geography has been under the direction of chairmen Elliot Tuttle (1955-58), Albert L. Fisher (1959-1960), Robert L. Layton (1961-1965; 1968-1981), Floyd Millet (1966-1968); Russell N. Horiuchi (1981-1989); Dale J. Stevens (1989-1995); Richard H. Jackson (1995-2001); J. Matthew Shumway (2001-present).

The Department of Geography provided instruction to those wishing to build a vast cultural education around a primary interest in geography and the understanding of the world and its problems. Courses offered included Geography in World Affairs, Geography of Climates, Industrial Geography, Urban Geography and Geography of Underdeveloped Areas.

The Department of Geography functions under the administration of a department chair under the direction of the college dean. During its existence, the department has been under the direction of the deans of and parts of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (1955-1965), the College of Social Sciences (1965-1981), and part of the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences (1981- ).

Citation: Harold B. Lee Library University Organizational History Project, website viewed Nov. 12, 2010 (History of the Department of Geography).