John A. Jackson, a retired Dallas oilman and noted philanthropist, has given $25 million to create the John A. and Katherine G. School of Geosciences at The University of Texas (UT) at Austin. The new school will unite the Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics, and the Bureau of Economic Geology, bringing together more than 100 faculty and research scientists. "We now have one of the great centers for the study of geological sciences," said UT Austin President Larry R. Faulkner. He added, "The synergy expected from this partnership will ensure that The University of Texas at Austin maintains preeminence in education and research in the geosciences for generations to come."

The UT Austin Department of Geological Sciences is one of the largest, most diverse and highly ranked geoscience departments in the U.S. Its 29 faculty and 11 researchers and lecturers are engaged in teaching at the graduate and undergraduate level, as well as fundamental and applied research. The Department’s doctoral program in stratigraphy and sedimentology is the top ranked in the U.S., and the paleontology, hydrogeology and tectonics doctoral programs are ranked in the top 10 nationally. The Department is unique in geosciences because of it "promote the growth, progress and development of geological education, research and graduate study at The University of Texas" with assets over $50 million before the Jackson gift. Mr. Jackson, who received his degree in petroleum geology from UT Austin in 1940, is an Honorary Life Member of the Geology Foundation.

Founded in 1972 by Maurice Ewing, one of the most highly acclaimed Earth scientists of the 20th Century, The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) is a an organized research unit within the UT System. Its 28 research scientists investigate the dynamic geophysical processes that influence Earth's structure and climate. They also develop new mathematical models, data processing and imaging techniques that are relevant to natural resource exploration and the assessment of geologic hazards. Recognized as a leading academic research group in geophysics, UTIG research is carried out all over the world and includes large-scale, multi-investigator, multi-institutional field programs. Most notable among UTIG’s international collaborations is a long-standing involvement in scientific ocean drilling through the Deep Sea Drilling Project, the Ocean Drilling Program, and the planned Integrated Ocean Drilling Program.

The Bureau of Economic Geology, established in 1909, is the oldest organized research unit at UT Austin and enjoys an international reputation for excellence in energy and environmental research. Its diverse staff of 59 research scientists, representing the disciplines of geology, geophysics, petrophysics, and engineering, conduct basic and applied research worldwide. Research examples include salt deformation, fractures, carbonate and clastic systems, multi-component seismic analysis, coastal erosion, geologic mapping, water resources and quality, the unsaturated zone, and a variety of remote sensing applications. The Bureau also conducts long-term, integrated research projects investigating energy resources from the basin to reservoir scale, using state-of-the-art technology. The Bureau functions as the State Geological Survey, and maintains an archive of all downhole geophysical logs from oil and gas wells that are submitted to the Railroad Commission of Texas, and manages the largest public core repository in the U.S.

The $25 million endowment for the new school will help support research, especially in the areas of water, energy and mineral resources. Funds will also be used for curriculum enrichment, graduate student fellowships and salary support. This gift follows a donation of $15 million for the renovation of the UT Geology building made by Jackson and his wife late last year.