The SMSU community mourns Professor of Environmental Science Thomas Dilley, 63, who died Nov. 15 under hospice care in his Minnesota home.

Dilley joined the SMSU Science Department in 1999; he was admired and respected by his students and colleagues throughout his career.

An educator until the very end, Dilley’s teaching record of almost 24 years was outstanding, along with his research and service to SMSU.

As well as teaching, Dilley enjoyed doing his own research, with 34 professional publications, one of which is a ‘Guidebook to the Geology of Anchorage, Alaska’.

Students agree that he was an energetic and enthusiastic professor who enthralled classes with his passion for geology.

An exemplary professional, Dilley embodied the best of academia. His love for learning enriched those around him.

Services celebrating Dilley’s life will be held in February 2024.