Hall of Fame Member Biographies

Charles J. Mankin

Oklahoma has indeed been fortunate in obtaining the scientific expertise of Charles J. Mankin, whose knowledge of geology has enriched the state and the nation. Earning a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Texas in 1958, he commenced a teaching/research career at the University of Oklahoma in 1959, a career that continues to this day, now holding the position of Regents' Professor. In 1963 he became the Director of the School of Geology and Geophysics (until 1977) and in 1967 the Director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey and in 1978 (until 1987) served as Executive Director of the Energy Resources Institute at the University of Oklahoma and later Director of the Sarkey's Energy Center.

He has been called upon by national leaders numerous times to serve on national committees investigating energy problems, conservation techniques, and land management procedures. A measure of his stature is the number of national organizations to which he has been elected vice-president and president: Association of American State Geologists; the American Geological Institute; the Mid-Continent Section of the Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists; and the American Institute of Professional Geologists. He has earned a multitude of awards, including the 1999 Ben H. Parker Memorial Medal of the American Institute of Professional Geologists. The Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame is honored to welcome Charles J. Mankin as a 2007 member.