Matthew Morgan appointed State Geologist and Director of the Colorado Geological Survey

Matthew Morgan is the new Colorado State Geologist and Director of the Colorado Geological Survey (CGS).

A Colorado School of Mines alum, Morgan took the reins of the state government agency in September. He previously served as CGS’ Deputy Director and Senior Research Geologist.

The Colorado Geological Survey has been part of Colorado School of Mines since 2013 when the State of Colorado transferred the agency to the university. The CGS offices are located on the Mines campus at 1801 Moly Road in Golden.

“It is an honor to have been selected as the next State Geologist and Director of the Colorado Geological Survey at Colorado School of Mines, and I will work diligently with our dedicated staff and leadership at Mines to move the CGS in exciting directions and connect with the public and our constituencies,” Morgan said. “This is a wonderful time to be in the earth sciences and make an impact – especially with societal needs such as energy production, critical minerals, natural hazards and water resources on the forefront. I will be an advocate for the geosciences within our fine state and want to get out and connect with our citizens, especially young people and those in underserved communities. Colorado is an amazing place to call home and I look forward to being your State Geologist.”

Morgan has worked for CGS since 1996 in a variety of roles, primarily in the areas of geologic mapping and geologic hazards. He holds a M.S. in Geology from Mines and a B.S. in Geology from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.

An active promoter of geosciences and STEM activities to Colorado schools and organizations, Morgan has authored or contributed to more than 100 journals, reports, maps and proceedings volumes on topics ranging from geomorphology, minerals, landslides, earthquakes and meteorites.

Morgan recently received the GSA/AASG John C. Frye Memorial Award for his work on the CGS publication, The West Salt Creek Landslide: A Catastrophic Rockslide and Rock/Debris Avalanche in Mesa County, Colorado. He continues to work on many scientific projects and manages the Geologic Mapping Program for Colorado.

Among Morgan’s goals as Director is to promote CGS, expand programs and diversify the CGS project portfolio – including groundwater resources and the areas of carbon capture and sequestration, and geothermal energy – and continue to more closely integrate into Colorado School of Mines.

“The Colorado Geological Survey is now part of a world-class science and engineering institution. We have access to highly respected research partners, students, and laboratories.  We are in the early stages of integration with the Mines community. Opportunities abound through collaborative research, hiring and mentoring high-caliber students, curriculum development and interdepartmental information exchanges," Morgan said. “As State Geologist, I will be involved on campus and promote collaboration between Mines and CGS at every opportunity.”

Founded by the State Legislature in 1907, the Colorado Geological Survey’s mission is building vibrant economies and sustainable communities, free from geologic hazards, for people to live, work and play through good science, collaboration, and sound management of mineral, energy and water resources.

One of its primary efforts is to help people live safely with the multitude of geological hazards that Colorado’s spectacular geology creates when people move into nature. CGS is required by statute to review geologic reports done for new developments in unincorporated parts of counties, and for all new school construction or critical facilities. For more information, go to coloradogeologicalsurvey.org.