Mack Gipson facts for kids

Mack Gipson, Jr. (born September 15, 1931 – died March 10, 1995) was an American geologist. He made history as the first African-American man to earn a Ph.D. (a very high university degree) in Geology. Dr. Gipson worked for many years in the oil industry and also taught at universities.

About Mack Gipson Jr.

Mack Gipson Jr. was born in Trenton, South Carolina, on September 15, 1931. He grew up on his grandmother's farm. He convinced his grandmother to move to Augusta, Georgia, so he could finish high school.

Early Life and Education

Mack became interested in science when he studied geology in junior high school. He especially enjoyed reading a book called The Earth and Life Upon It. He went on to study science and math at Paine College. His mother helped him pay for college by borrowing money. Mack also worked part-time while studying. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1953.

Army Service and Further Studies

In 1954, Mack was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served as a radio technician until 1956. During his time in the army, he thought about becoming a geologist. He liked the idea of working outdoors more than being in a classroom.

After the army, he attended the University of Chicago. He earned his Master of Science degree in 1961. Then, he started his research for a Ph.D. degree. He studied deep sedimentary rocks near the Illinois coal fields. Mack Gipson received his Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Chicago in 1963.

Career in Industry and Teaching

Mack Gipson had a varied career. He directed a special program for high school scientists. This program was supported by the National Science Foundation. He also worked for several large oil companies. These included Exxon, ERCO Industries, Aminoil Company, and Phillips Petroleum.

Dr. Gipson also helped start the geology department at Virginia State College. This school is now known as Virginia State University. After working in the oil industry for ten years, he returned to teaching. In 1986, he became a geology professor at the University of South Carolina.

Founding the NABGG

Mack Gipson was a key person in starting the National Association of Black Geologists and Geophysicists (NABGG). In 1980, he hosted a meeting at his home in Houston. Many geoscience professionals attended, eager to connect with other minority experts. This excitement led to the official creation of the NABGG in 1981.

The NABGG has supported minority students and professionals in earth sciences. They have been active in schools and at professional meetings. In 2014, the organization changed its name to the National Association of Black Geoscientists (NABG).

Research Discoveries

Dr. Gipson's early research focused on Shale deposits. He was very interested in how clay minerals relate to the tiny spaces (porosity) in shale. He also studied how deep these rocks were buried. He worked on better ways to study clay minerals.

He was the first to find large, shaped peaks on Mars. He saw these peaks in images sent back by the Mariner 9 spacecraft. Later in his career, his research often involved working with others. They studied areas that might hold oil and gas (potential petroleum reservoirs).

Recognitions and Awards

Mack Gipson received many honors during his life. In 1972, he was part of a study group for the National Academy of Sciences. This group looked at geological training and research in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). In the mid-1990s, the U.S. Secretary of Energy appointed him to the National Petroleum Council (US).

His former college, Paine College, honored him with several awards. These included the Alumni Achievement Award and the President's Award. He was also recognized as a member of the Outstanding Educators of America.

Today, the University of South Carolina offers the Mack Gipson scholarship. This scholarship helps students from groups that are not often seen in earth sciences. The academic advising center at Paine College is also named after him. It is called the Mack Gipson Jr., Tutorial and Enrichment Center.

Personal Life

Mack Gipson married Alma Gadison in 1956. This was after he finished his service in the army.