Tom Schmiedeler, PhD

Associate Professor of Geography
E-Mail: tom.schmiedeler@washburn.edu
Courses Taught:
GG101 Introduction to Geography
GG102 World Regional Geography
GG102EV World Regional Geography Telecourse
GG201 Environmental Geography
GG300 Geography of Europe
GG300 Geography of Anglo-America
GG302 Natural Resource Conservation
GG304 Geography of Kansas
GG501 World Geography and the Novel

Tom grew up in north-central Kansas in the farming community of Tipton, Mitchell County. After graduating from St. Mary of the Plains College (1971), he travelled extensively in Europe and Asia including an overland trip from London to Delhi in 1977. He later earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in geography from the University of Kansas.

Tom teaches a wide variety of regional, topical and environmental courses at Washburn including those which meet the Washburn geography requirements for teacher education. His research interests are frontier urban planning and Kansas historical geography including cultural landscapes and regional issues. He is currently writing a book on the frontier urban planning of Midwestern county seats. He is also the current Director for the Center for Kansas Studies, an interdisciplinary organization of Washburn faculty, staff and community members interested in learning more about Kansas. Students interested in pursuing a minor in Kansas Studies or studying geography should feel free to contact him at 225 Henderson Hall or call at 785 670-1559.