KEVIN
BLAKE
Professor and interim department head, department of
geography
Kevin
Blake was inspired by his grandparents to read Zane Grey's novels.
Grey, a prolific novelist from the early 20th century, wrote nearly
100 books, most of which contained romanticized Old West cowboy
imagery.
Blake, interim department head and associate professor of geography at Kansas State University, has carried his early interest in Grey's writing into his professional work. As a graduate student at the University of Kansas, Blake wrote his thesis on the geography of Grey's writings, showing that his portrayal of the West had a profound impact on Americans' perception of the West.
Since leaving the University of Wyoming and joining K-State in 2000, Blake is farther east than most of Grey's settings, but he continues his interest in the author's work. He teaches a graduate seminar course at K-State, "Western Landscapes," that covers some impacts of Grey's works, and he is developing an undergraduate course "Geography of the American West."
Blake's other research interests include cultural geography, ethnic and place identity, mountain and prairie landscapes, nature symbolism, human-environment interactions and the American West and Southwest.
Blake is a member of the American Geographical Society, Association of American Geographers, Association of Pacific Coast Geographers, Mountain Forum and Zane Grey's West Society.
He was named K-State Housing and Dining Service's 2001-02 Professor of the Year; a residence-hall student nominated him for the honor. Blake also has been twice awarded the William L. Stamey Award for Excellence in Teaching from K-State's College of Arts and Sciences. During his time at the University of Wyoming, he was twice awarded the Excellence in Advising Award, as well as the Top Teacher Award and the Extraordinary Merit in Teaching award.
Blake received his bachelor's degree in business administration and his master's degree in geography from the University of Kansas. He received his doctoral degree in geography from Arizona State University.
Blake can be reached at 785-532-6727 or by e-mail at kblake@k-state.edu.