Archaeology Expert Inspires Students

J. Jefferson Reid likes digging in dirt. He uncovered his passion for archaeology on a summer job and changed his major. More than 30 years later, his zeal for exploring past civilizations and reconstructing human behavior and culture still inspires students. His inquisitive nature, depth of experience and innovative spirit capture their imaginations – in the classroom, in the field and through his pioneering virtual reality modules. A preeminent pre-historian of the American Southwest, Reid directed the UA Archaeological Field School for 16 seasons, training a generation of influential archaeologists. This Distinguished Professor in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and his wife Stephanie Whittlesey are co-authors of three books on Arizona archaeology.