ABOUT US

Changing of Guard

“With issue Volume 52, number 4, Duncan Heron officially stepped down as Editor-in-Chief of Southeastern Geology. That doesn’t sound quite right, does it? Duncan founded “Southeastern” at Duke University in 1959. That’s nineteen with a 19, and fifty-nine with a 59! Youngsters among the readership might be surprised to know that “back in those days” there were no computers, publishing software, or digital technology. Duncan was doing or overseeing typing, layout, making photographic plates, and all the myriad other tasks long since forgotten or unknown to most of us. Each page, each manuscript, each issue, was a one-of-a-kind, hands-on, hand-made, work of art.

Duncan recognized the need for a peer-reviewed journal focused on the southeast because of a surge of noteworthy research and researchers in the region. He wanted to offer prompt consideration of manuscripts, and publication possible within just a few months of submittal. Over the years Southeastern Geology has published over 800 articles and has grown to be fully indexed and linked to more than 250 bibliographic and full-text databases by EBSCO Publishing.

Of course, there is much more to Duncan Heron than Southeastern Geology. From loving husband—his wife Becky was a beloved superstar in her own right—and father, to saving the Eno River, photographer extraordinaire, researcher, graduate advisor, and most recently, recipient of the Carolina Geological Society’s first Duncan Heron Lifetime Achievement Award. And so much more.

Anyone who has gotten to know Duncan has been fortunate indeed. I have been privileged to know him for over 40 years. I’m proud to say that he was on both my MS and PhD committees. I was honored when he asked me a few years ago to help out with the journal. I’ll do my best to carry on going forward. It will take some getting used to seeing “Editor-in-Chief” following my name. But we all know Duncan Heron is Founder, and will always really be Editor-in-Chief. Ain’t that right, “Uncle Dunc”?”

David M. Bush
University of West Georgia
Carollton, Georgia
October, 2017