Background
Mahan, Harold Dean was born on June 11, 1931 in Ferndale, Michigan, United States. Son of Elbert Verl and Jo Anna (Upton) Mahan.
Mahan, Harold Dean was born on June 11, 1931 in Ferndale, Michigan, United States. Son of Elbert Verl and Jo Anna (Upton) Mahan.
Bachelor of Arts, Wayne State University, 1954; Master of Science, University of Michigan, 1957; Doctor of Philosophy (National Science Foundation fellow), Michigan State University, 1964.
Instructor biology, Central Michigan U., Mount Pleasant, 1957-1960;
assistant professor, Central Michigan U., Mount Pleasant, 1960-1964;
associate professor, Central Michigan U., Mount Pleasant, 1964-1968;
professor, Central Michigan U., Mount Pleasant, 1968-1973;
director, Center for Cultural and Natural History, 1970-1973;
director, Cleveland Museum Natural History, 1973-1985;
president, Roger Tory Peterson Institute National History, 1985-1987;
executive director, San Diego National History Museum, since 1987. President Environmental Enterprises, Inc., Mount Pleasant. Adjunct Professor Case Western Reserve U., 1973-1985.
Resident scientist Museo de Historia Natural, Cali, Colombia, 1968. President Midwest Museum Conference, 1976-1980, Ohio Museum Assns., 1976-1980.
Member Airport Commission, Mount Pleasant, 1965-1968. President Michigan Audubon Society, 1972-1973. Member Ohio Natural Areas Council, 1974-1981.
Trustee Shaker Lakes Regional Nature Center. Corporation board Holden Arboretum. Board directors University Circle, Sea Research Foundation, Mystic, Connecticut, Institute Environmental Education.
Vice president Cleanland, Ohio, Inc. Treasurer, board directors S.E.A.R.C.H. Foundation, Dallas. Served with United States Air Force, 1950-1953.
Member American Ornithological Union, Wilson Ornithological Club, Animal Behavior Society, Association Science Museum Directors (president 1980-1982), Association Systematic Collections (vice president 1980-1982), California Association Museum, Michigan Audubon Society (director, president), Friends of the Parks (San Diego), Explorers Club, Cleveland Playhouse Club, Rowfant Club, Rotary, Sigma Xi, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Sigma, Phi Delta Kappa, Beta Beta Beta.
Married Mary Jane Gairdner, June 9, 1954. Children: Michael, Eric, David, Christopher, Thomas.