Gwynn W. Ramsey, Ph.D.

Experience/Background

My experience prior to coming to Lynchburg College in 1965 includes being a teacher of Science and Math in the North Carolina Public Schools in Watauga County; Professor of Biology and Botany at Lees-McRae College at Banner Elk, NC; Biology Instructor at Appalachian State Teachers College in Boone, NC; and, doctoral candidate and Teaching Fellow (Botany) at University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Degrees and Certifications

• B.S. in Science & Social Studies
  1955
  Appalachian State Teachers College
• M.A. in Education & Biology
  1958
  Appalachian State Teachers College
• Ph.D. in Botany
  1965
  University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN

Professional Interests/Research

In addition to teaching mostly plant science upper level courses, my research interest for over 35 years has been studying Virginia Flora and the biosystematics of the genus Cimicifuga in the buttercup family. Most of my field studies have been in Central Virginia and concentration in the central Blue Ridge Mountains. I have had the good fortune to author over 25 journal articles and one book. Some of my publications are with former students. I have conducted contract research for the Nature Conservancy, Jefferson National Forest, Blue Ridge Parkway and West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company. Our floristic research has led to the building of the fourth largest plant collection in the state of Virginia.

I am presently researching the biosystematics of the genus Cimicifuga (Ranunculaceae), the Plant Diversity of the Peaks of Otter Backcountry, the Vascular Flora of Percival's Island in the James, and the Vascular Flora of the Falling River. It is my pleasure to involve students in these studies.

Personal Info/Interests

I have been married to Betty Queen Ramsey for 50 years. Betty and all three of our children are graduates of Lynchburg College, each in a different discipline. We have three grandsons with whom I am spending more time in retirement. My regular teaching tenure concluded in the Spring of 1997.

I have been a professional storyteller for 30 years specializing in "Folktales from the Southern Appalachians." My storytelling and harmonica playing have taken me all over the southeastern U.S.

Being a Disabled American Veteran (Navy, loss of left arm, Korean Conflict) has not hindered me from being a top achiever. My hobbies include hiking, gardening, travel, and playing the harmonica. I am active in the Baptist Church serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Royal Ambassador and Brotherhood Director.

You may contact me at (434) 544-8363 or E-mail: ramsey@lynchburg.edu