An Epochal Year for Geology – 1910

There had been many geological chairs that came and went over the years, but 1910 proved to be of particular note when Edwin Bayer Branson became department chair and professor. Branson spent 37 years at the university as a teacher, administrator, and researcher. He was renowned throughout campus, and left his chair position in 1941 to teach until his retirement in 1947. The geology department, through his efforts, was “characterized by wise planning and persistent supervision,” according to “A Century of Geology at the University of Missouri,” provided by the Department of Geological Sciences. That report also noted that Branson developed national and international “respect for himself, and for the department.” This was an about-turn for geology, which though led by some great scientists, lacked prestige and equipment, the report continued. In fact, it was Branson who led field courses and created a field camp, still in existence to this day.