Idaho State University Professor to Lead Geological Society of America

A professor at Idaho State University is set to lead the nation’s premier organization representing geologists. 

Glenn Thackray, professor of geosciences, will be sworn in as President of the Geological Society of America in July 2026. Started in 1888, the GSA “is a global scientific society with members from academia, government, and industry in more than 100 countries” with more than 18,000 members.

“I have been a part of GSA for 40 years, since I was an undergraduate student in the Midwest,” said Thackray. “I have received research grants and awards from the organization and enjoyed its conferences, field trips, and community, and over the past 13 years have served in a progression of service and leadership roles that will culminate in my year as President. Ultimately, it’s a group of 17,000 people with many traditions, and always new opportunities and ideas coming forth, and that’s exciting.” 

As President of the GSA, Thackray will lead the organization with the GSA Council, determine the group’s budget, work with the GSA Foundation on fundraising support for students and early-career professionals, serve on various committees, and more.

“Glenn has been a leader in our department for a long time, and it's exciting to see him bringing those same leadership skills to the national geosciences community,” said Shannon Kobs Nawotniak, professor and chair of the geosciences department at ISU. “Glenn is a top-notch teacher and researcher who cares deeply about his community, and I'm confident that he will do great things as the new GSA President.”

Thackray has been at ISU for 31 years, and his research focuses on the geologic, hydrologic, and climatic processes active at the Earth’s surface. Recently, Thackray and his colleagues helped reveal that a previously undiscovered fault line was responsible for the 2020 6.5-magnitude quake near Stanley.

“The Earth’s surface records recent geologic and climatic history of the last 2 million years—the most recent part of the geologic record—and reveals earthquake faulting, sediments, and structures important for water resources, and a fascinating history of the ice ages,” Thackray said.

Thackray will serve as President until June 30, 2027, after which he’ll move into the Immediate Past President Role until June 30, 2028. 

“The geosciences is a study of the Earth and its fascinating scientific questions, but what excites me the most about the role is getting to know more of the people who make up the fabric of the field,” said Thackray. “Science is done by humans, and the geosciences attract people who tend to be enthusiastic, good-natured, and enjoyable to work with.”

For more information on ISU’s Department of Geosciences, visit isu.edu/geosciences.