All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Fairmont State University faculty honored by American Association of Geographers

Dr. Barbara MacLennan
Dr. Barbara MacLennan

The American Association of Geographers recently announced its 2022 AAG Honors, the highest honors bestowed on its members, in which 11 geographers were honored for their service, teaching and scholarship. Among those recognized include Fairmont State University Assistant Professor of Geography, Dr. Barbara MacLennan, for her work on the VerySpatial podcast.

MacLennan and VerySpatial co-founders and hosts, Jesse Rouse, University of North Carolina Pembroke; Sue Bergeron, Coastal Carolina University; Frank LaFone, WV GIS Technical Center, are the recipients of the AAG Media Achievement Award, conferred annually to one individual and a team to recognize accomplishments in publicizing geographical insights in general or mass communication media outlets.

VerySpatial is an internationally known, award-winning podcast that has provided geographic content and teaching methods to geography enthusiasts and educators for more than 15 years.

“We have been around a long time,” MacLennan said. “Today, VerySpatial is the longest-running internet media and podcast covering geography in existence. We’re always trying to stay on top of what’s going on. We enjoy doing the work, and it’s good to know that it has an impact out there because that’s what we set out to do.”

Ranked among the top five percent of all K-12 podcasts on iTunes, VerySpatial serves as a weekly source for information highlighting geography and geospatial technologies.

The podcast aims to demonstrate how geography and geospatial technologies are filtering into our digital and daily lives, while connecting vital ideas from geographers’ work to recent events and trends.

“We are grateful to have Dr. MacLennan as a member of our Falcon Family,” said Fairmont State University President, Mirta M. Martin. “Her work has made a profound impact on not only our students, but also spans across the globe to educators, geographers and beyond. This recognition is well-deserved.”

To learn more or listen to VerySpatial, visit www.veryspatial.com. 

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