George J. Bey III

Dr. George J. Bey III serves as Professor of Anthropology at Millsaps College, holding the Chisholm Chair in Arts and Sciences. A National Geographic Explorer and Explorers Club member, he was named to the prestigious Explorers Club 50 in 2022 for his transformative work in archaeology. His research focuses on the Millsaps Biocultural Reserve in Yucatan, where he conducts fieldwork at the Kiuic archaeological site with students.

His educational background includes a B.A. in Anthropology and English from the University of New Mexico (1978) and a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Tulane University (1986). Dr. Bey's research spans Maya civilization with specialization in Northern Maya Lowlands pottery analysis, forensic anthropology, and the intersection of ancient societies with contemporary popular culture including Disney studies. His interdisciplinary approach bridges archaeological science with cultural analysis.

Recent publications demonstrate his focus on ceramic chronology and societal complexity in Mesoamerica, revealing new insights into early Maya development through chemical analysis and typological studies. His work consistently emphasizes material culture as a lens for understanding cultural evolution.

Dr. Bey's distinguished honors include:

• Explorers Club 50 Member (2022)
• AIA Award for Best Practices in Site Preservation (2013)
• Chisholm Chair in Arts and Sciences (2008)
• CASE U.S. Professor of the Year (2007)
• AAA Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2006)

He actively mentors undergraduate students in field research at Kiuic, securing grants through National Geographic and the Explorers Club. His documentary features in National Geographic highlight public engagement with archaeological discovery. Dr. Bey directs operations at the Millsaps Biocultural Reserve, maintaining Kiuic as a living laboratory for student research while implementing award-winning preservation techniques that serve as international models for archaeological site conservation.