Alexander Stevens 
Biography of Alexander Stevens
Professor Alexander Stevens
Alexander Stevens (1886-1965) was a graduate of the University and the first Professor of Geography, from 1947 until 1953. He was Dean of the Faculty of Science, 1943 to 1946, and he was awarded an honorary LLD in 1954.
Born in Kilmarnock, Stevens graduated MA from the University in 1907, having been a student since 1904. He won a second class certificate for Chemistry in 1906/7, when he studied under Professor John Ferguson.
Stevens worked as a school teacher in Stornoway until he returned to the University in 1911 to study Geology and graduated BSc with distinction in 1913.
After a year working as an assistant in the Department of Geography, Stevens was chosen as geologist and geographer on the Weddell Sea party in the Shackleton Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1914. He was among the crew marooned on the Ross Barrier for two years from May 1915. He was rescued in time to serve in the Royal Engineers during the final months of the First World War. During the 1920s he accompanied the Spitzbergen Expedition in search of coal fields in the Arctic.
In 1918 Stevens was appointed Lecturer in Geography, and was appointed Professor of Geography when the Chair was established in 1947. He held this post until his retirement in 1953, after which he lectured on several occasions at the University of St Andrews and the John Hopkins University in Baltimore.
Stevens was awarded an honorary LLD degree in 1954 in acknowledgement of his work as Professor of Geography at the University. The degree was proposed by Professor Alan Boase.
Stevens died in Arncroach, Fife, on 20th December 1965.
Summary
Alexander Stevens
Geographer and Geologist
Born 11 January 1886, Kilmarnock, Scotland.
Died 20 December 1965.
GU Degrees: LLD, 1954; MA, 1907; BSc, 1913;
University Link: Alumnus, Faculty Dean, Honorary Graduate, Professor
Occupation categories: geographers; geologists
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Record last updated: 21st Jan 2016
Country Associations
Scotland
Place of Birth
University Connections
University Roles
- Faculty Dean
- Alumnus
- Honorary Graduate
- Professor
Academic Posts
Professorships:
Lectureships:
