Provost Peggy Agouris sent the following message to the campus community on Aug. 4, 2025. – Ed.
Dear colleagues,
I write to inform you that Garnett Ryland “Jack” Brooks, Professor Emeritus, Biology, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 88 on Tuesday, July 8. Prof. Brooks grew up in Mechanicsville, VA. He is predeceased by his parents Garnett Ryland and Dorothy Dew Brooks, Sr.
Prof. Brooks attended the University of Richmond where he obtained his BS and MS degrees. He then received his PhD from the University of Florida. Upon graduation, Prof. Brooks joined William & Mary where he spent his entire academic career. He spent three decades encouraging and engaging with his students, mentoring graduate students while developing life-long relationships.
During his teaching days, Prof. Brooks developed a deep love of travel. It began with extended research trips to the West Indies where he became the world’s leading expert on a green tree lizard, genus Anolis. Later in his career, he traveled to Australia and was so enamored that he created a class on the Natural History of Australia. The course was consistently at capacity and included a 6-week excursion Down Under.
Following his retirement, Prof. Brooks began the next chapter when he met his wife In. Along with sharing his love of travel with In, he also found a new passion in photography. His fondness of photography led him to build his own in-room darkroom with all the latest equipment. He enjoyed participating in photo contests and gallery showings, winning numerous regional awards for his work.
Prof. Brooks is survived by his loving wife, In Brooks of Williamsburg, VA; his daughter Melissa (Kerry) Harrison of Bristol, VA; his brother Joe (Maggie) Brooks of Richmond, VA; and his cousin Nancy Thomas of Williamsburg, VA. He is also survived by his nephew Carter Brooks of Richmond, VA, and his great-nieces Virginia Brooks of New York, NY and Sadie Brooks of Richmond, VA.
Prof. Brooks was a kind and generous man who will be missed by all that knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the James City County Fire Department.
Sincerely,
Peggy
Latest Campus Announcements
- W&M Board of Visitors to MeetThe William & Mary Board of Visitors will meet on the William & Mary campus in Williamsburg, Virginia, on September 24-26. The purpose of the meeting is to conduct regular business of the Board. Committee meetings will begin on Wednesday, September 24, at 2:30 p.m., in Room 302 of Blow Memorial Hall, located at 262 […]
- Fall 2025 Emergency Notification System testThe Emergency Management Team sent the following message to the campus community Sept. 8, 2025 – Ed. Dear William & Mary Community – William & Mary will test the university’s emergency notification system (TribeAlert) on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at 12:15 p.m., including activation of the university’s nine sirens and their public address function. The […]
- Anne Roemer selected as CHROAnne E. Roemer, currently deputy chief human capital officer for NASA, will join William & Mary as chief human resources officer.
- W&M President Katherine A. Rowe on the passing of Raymond A. ‘Chip’ Mason ’59, L.H.D. ’98Raymond A. “Chip” Mason ’59, L.H.D. ’98 passed away on Aug. 22, 2025.
- Quote from W&M President Katherine A. Rowe on the passing of James W. McGlothlin ’62, J.D. ’64, LL.D. ’00The following quote on the passing of James W. McGlothlin ’62, J.D. ’64, LL.D. ’00 was shared Aug. 6, 2025 – Ed. A distinguished William & Mary alumnus and innovator in business and law, Mr. McGlothlin sought to advance prosperity throughout the Commonwealth. At his alma mater, Mr. McGlothlin served two terms on the Board […]
- W&M Board of Visitors to Hold Annual RetreatThe William & Mary Board of Visitors will hold a retreat July 22-24, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the meeting is to serve as the annual planning and training retreat for members of the Board. On Tuesday, July 22, the newest members of the Board will meet with senior administrators at 2:30 p.m., in the William & Mary Washington Center, located at […]