B.A., Oberlin College
M.S., University of Arizona
Ph.D., Capella University
| Started | 1983 |
| Classes Taught |
CHM 130 Introductory Chemistry GLG 101 Introduction to Geology I GLG 102 Introduction to Geology 2 GLG 104 Cave Geology GLG 108 Volcanoes GLG 109 Geology of the Prescott Area GLG 110 Environmental Geology GLG 112 Geology of Northern Arizona GLG 113 Geology of the Grand Canyon GLG 114 Evolution of the Basin and Range GLG 115 Implications of Plate Tectonics GLG 132 Topics in Geology She co-taught: BIO 109 (Natural History of the Southwest) and PHY 140 (Physical World). That makes her the only faculty person in science to have ever taught in all 4 major science disciplines. |
| Department | Science |
| Retired | 2022 |
If you have additions or corrections to this page, please contact the College Archives at 928-776-2262 or archives@yc.edu. We are especially looking for:
Originally hired in 1983 to teach both chemistry and geology, Beth always tried to provide her students with only the most effective instruction, reflected in her being awarded the Barbara McClurg Award for Innovation in Education in 2003. During her many years at YC, she amassed and curated the largest and most comprehensive academic rock/mineral/fossil collection in the state outside of the three universities. This collection, and the more-than 600 days of field trips that she led, established the geology department's exceptional reputation.
Internationally
Beth taught geology at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, during a year's leave of absence and at Vancouver Island University in Canada, during a half-year faculty exchange. These opportunities gave her experiences and perspectives that she often shared in the classroom. She also published multiple articles in peer-reviewed journals, including one on Thumb Butte, with the professional support of her colleagues in New Zealand. (No, it's not a volcano!)
Locally
Beth gave countless presentations to schools, clubs, civic organizations, camps, scout troops, senior centers and multiple rock and mineral groups. She judged at dozens of county science fairs (so if you need a topic for your child's science fair project...), and identified rocks, minerals and fossils for the general public on a near-daily basis.
Personally
"I am grateful for the many amazing people that I've had the good fortune to work with and teach and the opportunities that my position provided, including the chance to look at literally thousands of "meteor-wrongs"!
Dr. Beth Nichols Boyd retired in 2022.
The College Seal was adopted in Sept. 1969.
Laboratory Workload Calculation and Its Impact on Science Instruction at the Community College Level, Journal of College Science Teaching, June 2015.
Differential Lab Loading and its Impact on Lab Science Instruction at the Community College Level, Geological Society of America Abstract, October, 2013.
Field Trip Goals and Logistics at Yavapai College. Geological Society of America Abstract, November, 2003.
Thumb Butte; A Tertiary Latite Among Basalts, Mackin Volume, UGS Publication 30, Pacific Section, AAPG Guidebook GB 78, 2001.
Thumb Butte: a vent-concealing lava flow? Arizona/Nevada Academy of Science Vol. 20, 2000.
Geology of the Constellation Area, Arizona Geological Society Digest XVII article, 1991.
