Randy Bertolas

Dr. Randy Bertolas is a Professor and Chair of the History, Politics, and Geography Department at Wayne State College. He advises multiple honor societies including Pi Gamma Mu, Phi Kappa Phi, and Gamma Theta Upsilon, serving as International President of Gamma Theta Upsilon (2011-12). His expertise spans geography education, natural disasters, and tourism, with teaching focuses on world regional, political, and human geography.

Education:

• Ph.D. Geography, State University of New York at Buffalo (1995)
• M.A. Geography, University of Vermont (1982)
• B.A. Geography, University of Minnesota-Duluth (1980)

Research Interests: Dr. Bertolas emphasizes geography education innovation, disaster resilience strategies, and tourism's socio-economic impacts. His work often integrates regional case studies from Russia, Nebraska, and North America.

Awards:

• Three-time WSC Student Senate Professor of the Year (2005, 2009, 2024)
• NCGE Distinguished Mentor Award (2018)
• Multiple state and national teaching excellence recognitions

Professional Roles: Active member in AAG, NCGE, NSCSS, and GEON. Served as a leader in geography honor societies and contributed to K-12 geography curriculum development through NCGE.