Dr. Paul W. Layer
Professor of Geophysics, Emeritus
WHEREAS Dr. Paul W. Layer has served the University of ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ and the University of ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ Fairbanks with distinction in teaching, research and public service from 1989 to 2025; and
WHEREAS Dr. Layer received high praise for his teaching of geoscience courses from the undergraduate to graduate levels; and he chaired theses and dissertation committees for seven graduate students and served on a total of 32 such committees; and
WHEREAS Dr. Layer’s research has done much to reveal the geology of ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥, as well as parts of Mexico, eastern Russia and southern Africa; and he contributed to more than 180 peer-reviewed and refereed publications; and he established the Geophysical Institute’s geochronology laboratory; and
WHEREAS Dr. Layer’s calm and collegial leadership contributed greatly to the functioning of the university, where he served as department chair and dean before advancing to a statewide vice president position; and he, among many other accomplishments, helped create UAF’s veterinary medicine program and worked carefully to lay the foundation for the faculty collective bargaining agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ expresses its deep appreciation to Dr. Paul W. Layer for his extensive contributions to the state of ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ and to the university; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥, in further recognition of the invaluable services rendered by Dr. Layer and as evidence of the university’s desire that his identification with the university be maintained, hereby salutes the appointment of Dr. Paul W. Layer as professor of geophysics, emeritus; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be appropriately engrossed and signed by the chancellor of the ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ as further evidence of the esteem and respect in which he holds Dr. Paul W. Layer, and conveyed to Dr. Layer on this third day of May, 2025.