Title: Professor Emeritus of Geography and Urban Studies
Company: University of Missouri-Kansas City
Location: Plano, Texas, United States
Steven L. Driever, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Geography and Urban Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Geography Education.
Dr. Driever enjoyed a career in academia that spanned more than four decades in the field of geography, with a particular focus on the geography of Spain and Latin America, historical geography, cultural geography and urban geography. His expertise in these areas became widely recognized and has contributed significantly to the advancement of geographic scholarship.
In 2018, Dr. Driever became a professor emeritus of geography and urban studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He spent his career on campus contributing to academic discourse and mentoring students, drawing upon his extensive experience in the field. His role played a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and cultivating an environment that fostered critical thinking and clear communication among students. Dr. Driever’s commitment to education was evident in his teaching philosophy, which emphasized essay writing and analytical skills as essential components of geographic study.
In 1996, Dr. Driever was selected as a senior researcher for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program in Spain. This prestigious appointment enabled him to deepen his research into Spanish geography and collaborate with international scholars, further enhancing his reputation as an authority in his field. Dr. Driever also spent one year as a visiting professor at Universidad Veracruzana in Xalapa, Mexico. During this period, he engaged with students and faculty on topics related to Latin American geography, broadening his cross-cultural academic perspective.
During his tenure at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Dr. Driever was an active member of the campus community, serving as vice chair of the faculty senate, department chair and director of the urban studies program. These positions allowed him to influence institutional policy and program development. Dr. Driever also served as the president of Phi Kappa Phi at the university for two years and as president of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, for a two-year term.
Off campus, Dr. Driever was influential on the board of directors for the Conference of Latin American Geography and contributed as a U.S. correspondent for the French National Center for Scientific Research in Paris, France. Additionally, he was involved with the national screening committee for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards in Spain.
Dr. Driever’s academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in geography, with distinction, from the University of Virginia in 1969. He continued his studies at Northwestern University, earning a master’s degree in geography in 1970, followed by attendance at the University of Georgia, where he obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in geography in 1977. These academic achievements provided the foundation for his subsequent success as an educator and researcher.
Beyond academia, Dr. Driever’s service has expanded membership with various civic organizations. He is a member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and has held leadership roles, including president, secretary and presenter for its Plano, Texas, chapter #37.
Among Dr. Driever’s most notable scholarly achievements are two significant publications. In 1994, he authored a comprehensive Spanish-English dictionary of human and physical geography, a 719-page reference work that required considerable dedication and expertise to complete. This publication has served as an essential resource for students and professionals alike. In 1998, he co-edited “Lucas Mallada: The Future Spanish Revolution and Other Regenerationist Writings” alongside Francisco Ayala Carcedo, a prominent Spanish scientist. For this 331-page volume published in Spain, Dr. Driever contributed an extensive introduction and an annotated study, further cementing his standing as a leading scholar in Spanish historical geography. In addition to these publications, he authored numerous others, was involved in grant writing, and was active on the advisory board for the Journal of Regional History.
In recognition of his interdisciplinary contributions to teaching and research, Dr. Driever received the Outstanding Interdisciplinary Faculty Award from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2011. Throughout his career, he has attributed his accomplishments to a strong work ethic, a passion for making a positive impact through education and research, and an unwavering commitment to student development.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Dr. Driever: