Hamilton, NY — A newly created $1.2 million endowed chair in ocean studies has been awarded to Charles E. McClennen, professor of geology at Colgate University, by the Sea Education Association (SEA).
As the Doherty Chair in ocean studies, McClennen will work with SEA faculty members to help chart the course for the association’s educational goals and serve as an instructor in oceanography. SEA, headquartered in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, offers a combined program of rigorous academic courses covering oceanography, nautical science, and maritime history with hands-on deep-sea research for undergraduate students.
McClennen, a member of Colgate’s faculty since 1973, is known for his ocean floor research and environmental analysis of such waters as the Gulf of Maine, the coastal waters of Southern New England and New Jersey, as well as Lake Ontario. He has traveled far and wide to conduct research using seismic studies of the ocean floor. His recent research forays have included the Antarctic Peninsula, Australia, the Caribbean and Venice, Italy. While in the ancient underwater city, McClennen’s investigation into the sub-surface foundation of Venice’s buildings received national media attention. As an oceanography instructor at SEA, McClennen will teach on shore as well as on sea, serving as chief scientist on SEA’s 125-foot schooner, the SSV Westward.
Founded in 1819, Colgate University is a nationally ranked, highly selective, residential, liberal arts college enrolling nearly 2,750 undergraduates. Situated on a rolling 515-acre campus in central New York State, Colgate University attracts motivated students with diverse backgrounds, interests and talents.