Ronald Kinnison DeFord

Ronald Kinnison DeFord (1902-1994) was a Professor at the University of Texas at Austin within the Jackson School of Geosciences, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (formerly Geological Sciences). He joined in 1948 and served as Graduate Advisor (1949–1967), later becoming Professor Emeritus in 1972. A visionary educator, he emphasized interdisciplinary training for students, requiring coursework in mathematics, physics, chemistry, English, foreign languages, and fine arts. His academic contributions included pioneering the Technical Sessions course, a cornerstone for graduate students in presenting research. He supervised 19 Ph.D. dissertations and 126 master’s theses, primarily rooted in fieldwork in West Texas and northern Mexico.

DeFord’s legacy extends beyond academia: he co-founded the Ronald K. DeFord Field Scholarship Fund, supported by over 180 donors, and received accolades such as the Individual Merit Award Medal (1963) and honorary titles like Professor Extraordinario (1968). His teaching philosophy, blending rigorous standards with mentorship, profoundly influenced students’ professional success. He retired in 1987 due to Parkinson’s disease and passed away in 1994 at age 92.

Education: Engineer of Mines (1921) and MS in Geology (1922) from Colorado School of Mines.

Awards: Permian Basin Hall of Fame (1975), American Association of Petroleum Geologists Life Membership, and leadership in the West Texas Geological Society.