Dr. Laurence H. Lattman

As a nationally renowned geologist, educator, and administrator, Laurence H. Lattman continues to improve the future for students through his writings, research, and generosity. His particular blend of skills has allowed him recognize weakness, then restructure and improve college departments and programs, bringing national recognition to a number of universities. "Larry Lattman has served as an academician at four different universities in the United States and has established himself as an outstanding educator, researcher and civic servant," said Attlia Kilinic, head of the Geology Department. "He is a product of an A&S department that we should all be proud of. He has maintained strong ties with the University of Cincinnati since 1975." After receiving his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree from City College of New York in 1948, Dr. Lattman moved to Ohio to earn his masters and doctorate in geology from McMicken College in 1951 and 1953 respectfully. Dr. Lattman spread his knowledge and expertise in the field of geology to a number of universities and companies throughout the United States. He began his professional career as an instructor in geology first at the University of Cincinnati in 1952, then spent the next year at the University of Michigan. From 1953 to 1957, Dr. Lattman took the position of photo geologist for the Gulf Oil Corporation. While working for the company, he continued to instruct students at Pennsylvania State University as an assistant, associate and eventually full professor of Geology. In 1970, Dr. Lattman added the responsibilities of an administrator and moved back to the University of Cincinnati to head the Geology department. He coupled his expertise with foresight to restructure the department and make it competitive in the region. In 1975, Dr. Lattman received national recognition when he became Dean of two separate colleges at the University of Utah. Serving as the Dean of the College of Mines and Minerals and Dean of the College of Engineering, he brought high levels of visibility in education and research to the university. In 1983, Dr. Lattman was asked to turn around a troubled New Mexico Tech. As the President there, Dr. Lattman not only reversed waning student enrollment, he also established the greatest growth for research and research facilities in the university's hundred-year history. Dr. Lattman has served on numerous boards during his career including those in the fields of science and technology, education, business, and civil service. He is also noted for presenting over 50 papers and numerous testimonies before legislative, civic, and federal groups on technical and educational topics. His published works as author or co-author include 45 technical reports and articles in professional journals. In addition, Dr. Lattman co-wrote two books, "Aerial Photographs in the Field of Geology" and "Energy Law." Recently, Dr. Lattman and his wife Hanna, also a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, have established an endowed fund for McMicken's Geology department. The endowment is designed to provide funding for geology faculty and their research projects.