Welcome to the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences at the University of Oklahoma, consisting of the Department of Geography, the School of Meteorology, and a number of associated research and development and outreach/service organizations. We opened our doors on January 1, 2006 after a re-organization of the College of Geosciences.
The Department of Geography focuses on the analysis of the human-environment interface. We bring to the study of this interface overlapping expertise in the areas of cultural, historical, political, and economic geography, applied physical geography, and geographic information science. This focus on the human-environment interface complements and enhances the mission of the College by bridging the social and atmospheric sciences.
Our School of Meteorology is the largest in the nation, with over 320 undergraduate and 80 graduate students. The program is ranked first in the nation in mesoscale and severe storms research and is among the top seven programs overall. I am pleased to report that the university’s weather programs have moved from the Sarkey’s Energy Center to their new home in the National Weather Center, a facility housing the OU weather and climate programs and many of our colleagues from the Norman-based units of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The official dedication of the National Weather Center took place on Sept. 29, 2006. Please visit the National Weather Center website for more information at www.nwc.ou.edu.
Our College has many diverse and award-winning research, academic and operational components. New advances in meteorology and geography are being made daily. Emphasis on interdisciplinary projects involving geographers, meteorologists, and our students will allow the College to address the challenges we face as a society in areas of renewable energy, weather hazards and climate change. Our faculty, staff and students currently lead the campus in several key research areas and are working constantly on new initiatives. We have a unique vision and a strategic plan for the College that will help us take advantage of the flexibility afforded by our small size, internationally acclaimed faculty, the best students in the country and the world-class facilities we now occupy.
Whether you’re a prospective student, alumni of one of our programs, or a member of the media, I hope you will tour our web site to learn more about us and contact us with any questions or for further information.
Sincerely,
John T. Snow, Dean
