Jeffers, George William

George William Jeffers (1897-1995), teacher, biologist, was born in Freshwater, Carbonear, Newfoundland, in 1897. Jeffers died at his home in Farmville, Virginia, in 1995.

A graduate of the Methodist College in St. John's, Jeffers spent four years teaching in Newfoundland schools. In 1919 he attended Boston University, graduating in 1924 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He also completed a Master's degree in biology (1925).

Following employment as a biology research assistant at the University of Toronto (U of T), Jeffers joined the staff of the State Teachers' College (later known as Longwood) in Farmville, Virginia in 1926, continuing to teach there until 1968. In 1931 he successfully defended his thesis on the life history of capelin, and was awarded a PhD from U of T. He returned to Longwood and over the course of his career held several administrative positions, including head of the Department of Natural Sciences. In 1969 Longwood College recognized his contributions by designating one of its buildings the Jeffers Auditorium of Natural Science in his honor.

Jeffers was involved in several scientific organizations. He was a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Canadian Society of Zoologists and the Association of Biology Teachers. He served as President of the Virginia Academy of Science during 1940-41 and as Director of the Chesapeake Bay Fisheries Commission from 1943-45.

Jeffers was a benefactor to Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), donating over 300 items, mainly Newfoundland books, from his personal collection to the university library. In 1974 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by MUN. Other honors included the Ivey F. Lewis Distinguished Service Award and honorary membership in the Virginia Academy of Science.

Created - May 7, 2013

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