03/03/2015
Passing of political science lecturer Willis Geer
Mar. 3, 2015
To: Campus Community
From: Public Affairs and Publications
It is with great sadness we report that Willis Geer, longtime lecturer in the Department of Political Science, passed away yesterday, March 2. Geer, 66, was found deceased in his office in Butte Hall by a custodian early yesterday evening. No foul play is suspected.
Willis began teaching at CSU, Chico in 2007. Classes he taught included Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Criminal Law, Criminal Justice Ethics, Justice System Administration and Corrections.
Willis received his B.A. and M.S. in business administration from the University of Wyoming. He earned a juris doctorate degree from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1974. Willis had a private law practice in Gillette, Wyoming, from 1974 to 1990 and 1991 to 2000, and in Buffalo, New York, from 2000 to 2003. He also taught classes during the 1970s at University of Wyoming, Casper College and Sheridan College, also in Wyoming.
Willis served in several editing positions for the Land and Water Law Review at the University of Wyoming College of Law from 1972 to 1974. He later served as a justice of the peace and prosecuting attorney for Campbell County, Wyoming, both elected positions. He was the recipient of numerous scholarships and was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, a business administration honorary, and Omicron Delta Epsilon, an economics honorary, during his undergraduate years.
Among his survivors is his wife, LaDona Knigge, associate professor, Department of Geography and Planning. Additional information, including information about memorial services, will be shared as soon as possible.
“Willis will be remembered for his selfless devotion to his students and colleagues, his gentle spirit, and his humility and dedication,” said Professor Ryan Patten, chair of the political science department. “He was known for the long hours of work that he put into his teaching and his numerous contributions to the Chico Chapter of the CFA. He arrived early, left late, and was always a positive presence in the department. Our thoughts are with LaDona.”
"This is such sad and shocking news,” said CSU, Chico President Paul Zingg. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Willis' wife, LaDona, and their entire family. So, too, his faculty and staff colleagues and students share a deep sense of loss for such a kind and devoted member of our community."
Students who need support can access free urgent walk-in services at the Counseling and Wellness Center located in the Student Services Building Room 430. The counseling center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., with walk-in hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 898-6345 or go to http://www.csuchico.edu/counseling/.
Faculty and staff who need support can contact LifeMatters at 1-800-367-7474 or www.mylifematters.com for 24/7 counseling and other services. For more information, go to http://www.csuchico.edu/eap/.
The University flag will be lowered tomorrow, Mar. 4, in Willis’ memory.
