Robert J. Mason

Robert J. Mason, a professor in the Department of Geography and Urban Studies at Temple University, died on November 15, 2017.

Rob was known for his work on environmental policymaking and land use management. He believed in international educational opportunities for students and was passionate about teaching the next generation of environmental leaders. A prolific author, Rob published Collaborative Land Use Management: The Quieter Revolution in Place-Based Planning (Rowman & Littlefield, 2008), Contested Lands: Conflict and Compromise in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens (Temple University Press, 1992) and the Atlas of United States Environmental Issues (Macmillan, 1990, with Mark Mattson).

In addition to teaching at Temple University, Rob has taught at Ohio State University, Temple University Japan in Tokyo, and Kobe College in Nishinomiya, Japan. In 2016, Rob taught at Temple Rome. He was serving a three-year term as Regional Councillor of the American Association of Geographers and had previously served as President of the Middle States Division of the AAG. He also served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Kobe College Corporation/Japan Education Exchange including as Co-President.

Rob earned his doctorate in Geography from Rutgers University in 1986, received a master’s in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Toronto, and held a bachelor’s in Geography and Environment Studies from the University of Buffalo.

Tribute from Camille Elliott in the Temple University Department of Geography and Urban Studies