Robert W. (Bill) Maxwell Jr., a petroleum geologist, has been honored as the 2010 Graduate of Distinction by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Maxwell, who serves on the college’s Leadership Council, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geology from Florida State University, the first in 1969 and the second in 1973. He is also involved in an emerging advisory board for FSU’s new Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science.

“Bill has been a steadfast supporter of the college and its programs through thick and thin,” says Dean Joseph Travis. “His confidence in us is inspirational.”

Currently chairman of the board of Suemaur Exploration and Production LLC, a private independent oil and gas company headquartered in Corpus Christi, Texas, Maxwell began his career with Chevron in Lafayette, La. in 1971. In 1973, he moved to Corpus Christi, where he worked as an exploration geologist with the Texas Oil and Gas Corp, and in 1975, he joined Harkins and Co., where he became vice president for exploration in 1981. He remained there until the company was sold to Suemaur in 1990.

Maxwell’s wife, Mary Elizabeth Beck Maxwell, is also a graduate of Florida State University, having received her bachelor’s degree in English and then in 1971 her master’s degree in special education.

The Maxwells divide their time between homes in Corpus Christi, Texas, and Angel Fire, N.M.

Photo at top of screen shows Assistant Dean Nancy Smilowitz (left), along with Maxwell (center) and Travis.