Dr. Stuart Foster recently accepted a nomination and was voted president-elect of the American Association of State Climatologists (AASC).
Dr. Stuart Foster
Dr. Foster is the state climatologist for Kentucky, director of the Kentucky Mesonet and the Kentucky Climate Center, and professor of geography at WKU. After serving in this position for one year, Dr. Foster will begin a two-year term as AASC president beginning in July 2012.
The AASC promotes cooperation between state climatologists, the National Climatic Data Center, the regional climate centers, and other federal, state, and private agencies on matters related to climate. In recent years, public awareness of climate and societal vulnerabilities to aspects of climate has increased, highlighting the demand for more comprehensive data and detailed information.
The Kentucky Climate Center was established in 1978 and was recognized as the State Climate Office for Kentucky by the AASC in 2002. The Kentucky Mesonet, a program of the Kentucky Climate Center, consists of 58 automated weather and climate monitoring stations located through the Commonwealth.
“It is an honor to be selected to serve the AASC, as I have high regard for my fellow members,” Dr. Foster said. “I am eager to work with current president Dennis Todey and members of the AASC Executive Board in the year ahead and look forward to the opportunity to serve and help to advance the Association and its member state climatologists.”
In addition to Dr. Foster’s election, Dr. Rezaul Mahmood, associate director of the Kentucky Climate Center and Kentucky Mesonet, was recently appointed to serve on the National Climate Assessment Development and Advisory Committee.
“The appointment of Dr. Foster and Dr. Mahmood to these important national organizations is recognition of the quality of their leadership, research, and student engagement demonstrated over many years in the climate sciences,” noted Geography and Geology Department Head Dr. David Keeling. “Both of them are in a strong position to influence national climate policy over the coming years.”
Contact: Stuart Foster, (270) 745-5983.