Awards of Distinction

Dr. Baker Perry, a National Geographic Explorer and professor in App State's Department of Geography and Planning, is among a handful of climate scientists working at the world's highest elevations to understand climate change impacts on critical water sources that sustain millions of people. He is also a senior scholar in App State's Research Institute for Environment, Energy and Economics.

Over the past several years, Perry has helped lead the installation and maintenance of some of the highest weather stations in the world — from the Tupungato volcano in Chile, to the peak of Nevado Ausangate in Peru, to the world's tallest mountain, Mount Everest, in Nepal. Since 1999, Perry has led 16 study abroad trips to Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, where students have learned about climate change, glaciers, water resources and local culture.

"What makes Dr. Perry a great nominee for this award is his continuous involvement and supervision of students," said one of Perry's nominators, adding, "He clearly enriches the lives of students outside the classroom."

Perry holds a bachelor's degree in comparative area studies from Duke University and master's and doctorate degrees in geography from App State and UNC-Chapel Hill, respectively.