Eaton, Gordon P.

Gordon Pryor Eaton (b. 1929) received a B.A. (1951) in geology from Wesleyan University. His professional career has included positions at Wesleyan University, the University of California-Riverside, the U.S. Geological Survey, and Texas A & M. In 1983 Dr. Eaton was named the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Texas A & M, and in 1986 was named President of Iowa State University. During Eaton's four years at Iowa State (1986-1990), his administration spearheaded enhanced faculty salaries, significant increases in support for research, and the establishment of a strategic planning process. After leaving Iowa State, Dr. Eaton was named the director of the Columbia University's Geological Observatory, and in 1994 he was appointed the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey by President Clinton. Dr. Eaton retired in 1997.

Geophysicist. Professor of geology, University of California, Riverside, 1959-1967; U. S. Geological Survey, 1967-1981; dean of College of Geoscience, Texas A&M University, 1981-1983; provost and vice president academic affairs, 1983-1986; president, Iowa State University from 1986.