Rate My Professor Stephen Leatherman

Florida International University

Geoscience Geomorphology Oceanography Marine Geoscience Climatology Meteorology Geology Geosciences

4.5

2 reviews · out of 5

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Ratings & reviews

5.05/4/2026

A true role model for academic success.

4.06/27/2025

Always fair, encouraging, and motivating.

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About Stephen

Stephen Leatherman is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Environment at Florida International University, contributing to geoscience through his expertise in coastal science. Renowned as "Dr. Beach," he has earned a Ph.D. in Environmental (Coastal) Sciences from the University of Virginia in 1976 and a B.S. in Geosciences from North Carolina State University in 1970. His academic career began as Assistant Professor in the Department of Geology at Boston University from 1975 to 1977. He then served as Director of the National Park Research Unit at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, from 1976 to 1981, followed by roles at the University of Maryland as Assistant Professor (1981-1983), Associate Professor (1983-1989), and Professor (1989-1997), where he also directed the Laboratory for Coastal Research and the Center for Global Change. Since joining FIU in 1997, he has held positions including Director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research (1997-2014), Director of the International Hurricane Research Center (1997-2009), and We Will Rebuild Chair Professor (2001-2010).