Created by Lawrence Abele.

Lawrence G. Abele, PhD, born 1947, is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and currently serves as Provost at Florida State University. Dr. Abele received his B.S. (1968) and M.S. (1970) degrees in Biology from Florida State University and his Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the Rosentiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science of the University of Miami (1972).

Dr. Abele began his career as an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Science at Florida State University in 1973. Prior to being appointed Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Able served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Florida State University (1991-1994), and Chairperson of the Department of Biological Science (1983-1991).

In 1985 Dr. Abele received Florida State University's Outstanding Chairman Award and in 1990 the Loretta C. Ellias Teaching Award. The National Academic Advising Association will present the Pacesetter Award to Dr. Abele in October 2009. The Pacesetter Award is presented annually to one administrator who exemplifies a commitment to academic advising and who has proven to be a true advocate for students and advisors.

Dr. Abele's past research interests include classical crustacean systematics, ecology, and biogeography. However, his research interests have grown to include crustacean molecular systematics and evolution.