John DeVault

In 1975, John Devault published “The Model Railroad Club is Not a Student Organization” (Devault 1975). This statement implied that the Model Railroad Club did not fit into what has come to be understood as “student organization,” thus rendering it irrelevant.

It is essential to recognize that this article is outdated, yet its message of invalidating the Model Railroad Club as a student organization at Penn State remains.

Early Life and Education

John Devault was born in November 1919 and currently resides in Fairmont, West Virginia.

Devault is a graduate of Fairmont State University, having earned both his bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degrees in educational administration and leadership. Furthermore, he holds an Ed.D. from the College of William and Mary in educational planning, policy, and leadership.

He was an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church, serving as Senior MYF leader and mentor for confirmation classes. Additionally, he served as greeter/usher during services. Furthermore, he belonged to Mount Airy American Legion Gold Star Post 190 and Mount Airy Kiwanis Club; plus, he is a past president and treasurer of Carroll County Teachers Association.

Professional Career

DeVault, a partner at Krieg DeVault in Indianapolis, is renowned for his litigation abilities. He specializes in complex commercial litigation as well as legal malpractice defense.

DeVault is an accomplished advocate for the arts. A longtime music educator and administrator, he earned himself the Ohio Music Education Association’s coveted Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to music education. Among DeVault’s most noteworthy accomplishments are creating a junior high large group music competition and developing higher quality teacher certification programs. Furthermore, as part of his affiliation with Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, DeVault was recently honored by Canton Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustee’s for his work. Despite all these accolades, his primary role remains helping students reach their academic targets while making the most out of their time at Fairmont State.

Achievements and Honors

Over his remarkable career in geophysics, he has earned a number of notable accomplishments and accolades to his name. These include being one of the top 100 SEG members worldwide, receiving a major research grant, and attaining his doctorate degree. Additionally, he is an esteemed lecturer and teacher both on campus and within the community. Most importantly, however, is his commitment to family – supporting those whom he shares life with now as well as in the long term future; additionally serving on both SEG Honors & Awards Committee and Science Committee respectively.

Personal Life

On December 9, 2010 Vere DeVault, 88 of Madison, Wisconsin passed away peacefully. He was an accomplished academic who dedicated his career to learning. Additionally, he enjoyed spending time with family, friends and traveling around the world.

He was born in Lafayette, Indiana on April 30th 1922 and attended DePauw University where he earned both his B.A. (music) and M.A. He then went on to receive an EdD from the university.

He was an academic for over 50 years, beginning his academic career at the University of Texas-Austin in 1953 before moving on to Wisconsin’s Madison campus. A leader in mathematics education, he helped create many educational materials as well as co-authoring several books and articles with his wife Margaret (Steckel) throughout their long partnership.