First Presbyterian Church member Dr. Jerome "Jerry" Dobson was recently featured in the October 19, 2026, issue of The New Yorker. Jerry is a geographer and pioneer in Geographic Information Science (GIS), having worked with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Kansas, and the American Geographical Society, where he served as president. His distinguished career has earned him national recognition, including a lifetime achievement award from the University of Tennessee, for his contributions to geography and mapping technology.
The article, titled "Inquisitive," explores the history of the American Geographical Society's Explorers & Fliers Globe, which has collected signatures from notable explorers since 1929. Jerry shares stories from his time with the Society, including efforts to secure signatures from astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin and deep-sea explorers Don Walsh and Jacques Piccard. It's an interesting look at the history of exploration and Jerry's involvement in preserving that history.
Over the course of his career, Jerry's work has helped advance the use of geographic technology to better understand populations, environmental challenges, and communities around the world. His work demonstrates how geography and mapping technology can help us better understand our world, address complex challenges, and improve lives, making his contributions to the field both significant and far-reaching.