Shepherd named Regents’ Professor

University of Georgia faculty member J. Marshall Shepherd has earned the distinction of Regents’ Professor, the University System of Georgia’s highest professorial honor. UGA announced the honors to two faculty members: Elena Karahanna, Distinguished Research Professor in the Terry College of Business, and Shepherd, the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.

Regents’ Professorships are bestowed by the Board of Regents on exemplary faculty whose scholarship or creative activity is recognized both nationally and internationally:

Shepherd is a highly decorated scholar and global expert in weather and climate, known for his pioneering research and longstanding commitment to mentoring students and early-career scientists.

His research has significantly advanced understanding of extreme weather patterns, predictability and associated risks. In response to growing urbanization, his work has also provided important insights into interactions between urban environments and weather-hydroclimate systems in the United States.

Additionally, Shepherd uses his exceptional communications skills to convey the short- and long-term impacts of severe weather events to the public. He is the host of The Weather Channel’s talk show and podcast “Weather Geeks” and a senior contributor to Forbes Magazine.

“In the field of atmospheric science, he is truly a national treasure, possessing rare and unmatched abilities to conduct original scholarly research and to convey complex scientific concepts to the general public with clarity and impact,” said Jose D. Fuentes, professor of atmospheric science at The Pennsylvania State University.

Since 2023, Shepherd has served as associate dean for research, scholarship and partnerships in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. He also holds an appointment in the College of Engineering.

Congratulations to Dr. Shepherd, a gifted scholar and communicator who is also one of the most inspiring colleagues on the UGA campus. We are grateful for his thoughtful leadership in the dean's office and share in the university's pride in this well-deserved honor.