Known by his white beard and bowtie, James Norwood, professor of geography, brings military experience and global perspective to the classroom.
"He's got great world travel experience from his military service--very aware of his surroundings and the people and the landscape--all-around great characteristics for a geographer," said Philip Chaney, associate professor of geography.
Originally from Florence, Ala., Norwood graduated from The University of North Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in geography. He obtained his master's degree from the University of Memphis.
"I was interested in aviation and had to use maps, and it came natural to me after that," Norwood said.
As a distinguished military graduate from UNA, Norwood was commissioned to second lieutenant in the Army.
He graduated from Infantry Officers Course, Ranger School and Airborne School after training at Fort Benning, Ga.
Norwood taught patrolling techniques in the Advanced Infantry Training Course to 200 soldiers as head officer of the patrolling range at Fort Polk, La. He also served in the Mekong Delta region in Vietnam as a first lieutenant.
He participated in the Cambodian campaign, completing his tour of duty as a captain.
After his military service, Norwood worked as a consultant at urban planning for the state of Alabama for 15 years, and later as manager for industrial development with CSX Transportation.
"I worked in the field of geography; I did geography as opposed to teaching. But I got tired of that, and now I'm teaching," Norwood said.
Norwood has been a professor at Auburn for four years and is currently teaching three global geography courses.
Encouraging success is a major aspect of Norwood's teaching style.
"It's always a pleasure for the students who have had my class to speak to me, going down the hall or anywhere around campus, and they'll stop me and thank me for the class," Norwood said. "That makes me feel good, like I know I'm doing something right."
Norwood's students recognize his concern for them and look forward to taking his class.
"He was one of my favorite teachers in college because of his personality and how well he teaches and how he likes for you to learn in class," said Justin Nichols, recent Auburn graduate in political science.
Norwood's coworkers also notice his students' enthusiasm.
"The students have always expressed positive opinions of him," said Sonny Dawsey, professor emeritus. "He's a good teacher and spends a lot of time with them. He has life history experiences that relate to the subject matter, a very positive teacher."
With his down-to-earth attitude, Norwood lends Auburn students some words of advice: "Never give up. Sometimes you may give out, but never give up."
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