As an archaeologist and educator, Theodore L. Shear has dedicated his career to the topography and monuments of classical Athens. Today, he holds a position of prestige as professor emeritus of classical archaeology at Princeton University. Dr. Shear has been a valued resource with the Ivy League research university, ever since he completed his undergraduate and postgraduate education at Princeton. He earned a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, in 1959, followed by a Master of Arts in 1963 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1966. Dr. Shear has served the college in a variety of roles since joining its faculty in 1967, including assistant professor of art and archaeology, associate professor, chairman of the classical archaeology program, and associate chairman of the art and archaeology department.

After more than 50 years of experience in archaeology, Dr. Shear’s forte has been classical Greek architecture and epigraphy, the study and interpretation of ancient inscriptions. He began his career in academia at Bryn Mawr College as a Greek and Latin instructor, transitioning to a post as an assistant professor. From 1988 to 1994, Dr. Shear served as professor of archaeology at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, which awarded him with the John Williams White Fellowship from 1959 to 1960. Today he retains membership in the managing committee of the archaeological school. Dr. Shear is a member of numerous scholarly organizations and honor societies, including the Archaeological Institute of America, the American Philological Association, the College Art Association, the Archaeological Society of Athens, the Century Association Club, the Nassau Club, the Princeton Club, the Hellenic Yacht Club, and Phi Beta Kappa.

In recognition of his archeological excellence, Dr. Shear has been listed in several Who’s Who publications, including Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Education, Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, Who’s Who in the East, and Who’s Who in the World.

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