Berrien Moore III, dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences and the director of the National Weather Center in Norman, died on Dec.17.
In an email to OU community members, OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. wrote Moore’s career was defined by a tireless dedication to advancing science and the complexities of Earth’s climate.
“His efforts brought international acclaim to the research he championed and inspired future generations to approach science with the same relentless curiosity and drive for impact,” Harroz wrote.
According to his biography on OU’s website, Moore was an internationally recognized Earth scientist who had honors from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA.
Moore earned an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina in 1963 and a doctorate degree from the University of Virginia in 1969. After graduating from Virginia, Moore taught mathematics at the University of New Hampshire and became tenured in 1976.
In 2008, Moore left his role in New Hampshire to serve as the founding executive director of Climate Central, a think tank that researches and reports on the effects of climate change based in New Jersey.
Moore joined OU’s faculty in the summer of 2010, serving as dean and as the Chesapeake Energy Corporation Chair in Climate Studies until he died. Moore also served as vice president of weather and climate programs.
Over the course of his career, Moore served in several capacities with NASA, including as a committee member and later chair of the organization’s Space and Earth Science Advisory Committee, a member of the NASA Advisory Council and in other committees and councils.
From 2004 until 2005, Moore chaired the NOAA Research Review Team and served on the Research and Development Portfolio Review Team for the organization’s science advisory board.
His honors include NASA’s highest civilian honor, the Distinguished Public Service Medal for outstanding service, the NOAA Administrator’s Recognition Award and the 2007 Dryden Lectureship in Research Medal by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Moore was honored for his contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as the organization won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. The award was shared between the organization and former Vice President Al Gore for efforts to bring awareness to the impacts of climate change.
In 2017, Moore told Oklahoma Magazine that in his career, he was most proud of being at OU. Moore said it was a great opportunity to work at the university, calling OU unique in character and in its commitment to “stability and excellence.”
Harroz wrote Moore’s professional achievements were monumental, and said Moore would be remembered for his wit, passion for learning and dedication to students.
“His ceaseless quest to expand our understanding of our planet – and our place in it – will remain an enduring part of his legacy,” Harroz wrote. “As we mourn his loss, let us celebrate a life that was both impactful and inspiring. We will profoundly miss him as a leader, colleague, and friend.”
Moore is survived by his wife Lucia and his daughter Leila.
