About Us

Rod Cranson (board of directors)

Rod served as an interpretive ranger at Crater Lake National Park for seven summer seasons.  In addition, he has made many other extended visits.  During those years, and even before, Rod studied the geology of this classic area.  Volcanoes and Volcanology have been a fascination for him since early in his college studies, and he has attended numerous seminars and workshops to enhance his knowledge.  In addition to travel in the Pacific Northwest, Rod has visited many volcanic areas in other parts of the United States as well as Canada, Mexico, Japan, and several Caribbean islands.

Rod received both his Bachelor of Science and Master degrees from Michigan State University in preparation for a career in petroleum geology.  However, the opportunity to teach Earth Science in high school led to a career in education, including 27 years in the Science Department at Lansing Community College.  He has received numerous awards including: The Distinguished Faculty of the Year Award from Lansing Community College, Master Teacher Award from the College of Education at the University of Texas, and The Michigan Science Teachers Distinguished Service Award.

Rod has been active in Earth Science Education on the local, state and national levels.  He founded the Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association and was also instrumental in establishing the National Earth Science Teachers Association.  His years of teaching were shared with graduate studies in geology, including research at Crater Lake.  Enjoying Rod's interests in geology, mountaineering, photography and writing are his wife, Sharon, daughter, Keri and son, Kurt.