Jeffrey B. Connelly

Professor and Associate Dean
Structure, Tectonics, Engineering Geology

Jeff Connelly

Contact Information

Email: jbconnelly@ualr.edu
Phone: 501-916-5198
Office: EIT 626

Education

Degree Subject Year Institution
Ph.D. Geology 1993 University of Tennessee
M.S. Geology 1986 Bowling Green State University
B.S. Geology 1983 College of Wooster

Background and Interests

I have been in the Geology Program at UA Little Rock since 1992, serving as chair of the Department of Earth Sciences from 1997 to 2004 and again from 2007 to 2016. Additionally, I took on the roles of interim associate dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology from 2016 to 2019, associate dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology from 2019 to 2022, and associate dean of the College of Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics from 2022 to the present.

My teaching interests include Physical Geology, Historical Geology, Structural Geology, Tectonics, Field Methods, Engineering Geology, Environmental Geology, and Geology of Arkansas. My primary research interests are in the areas of structural geology, tectonics, and natural hazards. My primary focus in the field of structural geology involves using small structures and regional joint patterns to gain a better understanding of the structural development of mountain systems such as the Ouachitas. I have also worked closely with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, assessing the risks posed by natural hazards to the state and its communities. In conjunction with departmental colleagues, I have contributed to the development of FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plans for both the State of Arkansas and various communities within it.

I am a registered professional geologist and serve as a board member on the Arkansas Board of Registration for Professional Geologists. Additionally, I serve as an ABET Program Evaluator (PEV). Throughout my tenure at UA Little Rock, I have received faculty excellence awards in teaching and public service. I, along with my UA Little Rock colleagues, was also recognized as a recipient of Metroplan’s “Jack Evans Regional Leadership Award” for my contributions to water resource issues in central Arkansas.