James B. Campbell honored with emeritus status
James B. “Jim” Campbell, professor of geography in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.
A member of the Virginia Tech faculty since 1976, Campbell made significant contributions to geographical scholarship through teaching across a wide range of courses offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels on the topics of remote sensing, geomorphology, spatial data analysis, soils, and agricultural landscapes. He became one of the pioneer researchers in utilizing remote sensing technology to tackle broad environmental challenges in soil and landscape variability, land use, image processing and analysis, and coastal reclamation.
Campbell co-authored a multiedition and internationally recognized textbook on remote sensing and published more than 100 peer-reviewed research publications with numerous international collaborators.
Campbell’s teaching and scholarship was recognized with lifetime achievement awards from AmericaView, a national remote sensing organization, and the Southeastern Division of the American Association of Geographers.
Campbell co-directed the interdisciplinary doctoral program in Geospatial and Environmental Analysis and was instrumental in developing the initial programs, curriculum, and training in remote sensing and geospatial analysis. He also advised numerous master’s and doctoral degree students and helped them develop successful careers in both academic and industrial settings.
In support of the university’s land grant mission, Campbell disseminated remote sensing training materials to practitioners and served as the head of the Department of Geography from 1993 to 2002.
Campbell received his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Kansas.
