HRI Remembers Dr. Richard “Skip” Davis, Jr.

Long time research associate for the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies (HRI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), Dr. Richard "Skip" Davis, Jr. passed away on Nov. 6, 2023. Davis worked closely with HRI’s Geospatial Sciences group under Dr. James Gibeaut and focused his work on coastal geology, beaches and shoreline resiliency.

 “Skip traveled the world lecturing, studying coasts, and interacting with researchers and graduate students, just like he did here at HRI,” Gibeaut said. “It was a special treat having this renowned coastal geologist right here in our midst teaching classes, advising students, writing, and collaborating. But mostly, we’ll just miss him.”

Davis was Gibeaut’s Ph.D. advisor at the University of South Florida for his PhD in Marine Science.

Davis graduated with a B.S. in Geology from Beloit College, earned his M.A. degree in Geology from the University of Texas and his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. He was a named a distinguished professor emeritus at the University of South Florida where he taught for over 30 years before joining HRI in 2006.. He was a Fulbright fellow, author and co-author of over 200 research publications and author and editor of 26 books on oceanography, coastal geology and sedimentary geology. Two of his books are featured in the HRI book series published by Texas A&M University Press: Beaches of the Gulf Coast (2014) and Sea-Level Change in the Gulf of Mexico (2011). The books can be purchased from the TAMU Press website at the link below.

Davis and his wife Dr. Mary Ann Davis established a scholarship at HRI in 2017 for graduate level students of TAMU-CC concentrating their research in coastal processes or coastal change. Memorial donations can be made to this scholarship online at the link below.

Learn more about Davis’ life and legacy in his obituary.