Larry Sommers came to Michigan State College in 1950 as an Instructor in the Department of Geology and Geography. When the two disciplines split into separate departments in 1955, he became head of the Department of Geography, a position he remained in until 1978. Sommers served as Assistant Dean in International Programs from 1979 to 1980 and was Assistant Provost during the DiBiaggio presidency. In this role he served as chair of the Steering Committee in the Academic Governance organization and played a key role in developing the Asian Studies Center and the African Studies Center. Sommers was also instrumental in developing the air photo interpretation program (later known as remote sensing and cartography) which created the first Atlas of Michigan. This publication was created entirely by hand with no help from computers. Topics/people covered in the interview include: Walter Adams; African Studies Center; Gwen Andrews; Asian Studies Center; John Cantlon; Council to Review Undergraduate Education; John DiBiaggio; Walter Fee; Ford Foundation; Gordon Guyer; John Hannah; Edgar Harden; International Geographical Union; International Studies Programs; Walter Johnson; Mordecai Kreinan; Madison Kuhn; Cecil Mackey; Blanche Martin; race relations; female enrollments; Milton Muelder; Morrill Hall; George Perles; Robert Sawyer; David Scott; Henry Silverman; Ralph Smuckler; Marvin Solomon; Harry Truman; Clifton Wharton; Fred Williams; Lee Winder; General Clark; Point Four Program; remote sensing; cartography; Office of International Programs
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