Long associated with Beloit College, over the years Dr. Collie served as teacher, dean, acting president and professor emeritus.

George Lucius Collie was born at Delavan, the son of Joseph Collie of the first graduating class of Beloit College. George entered the Beloit Academy in 1876, and the college the following year. His great love of nature translated into his studying geology at Beloit.

After graduation he taught for a while at Delavan High School, then resuming his geological studies at Harvard, he was awarded his PhD in 1891. The following year Dr. Collie was called to Beloit College as professor of geology, serving in that position until 1925, when he resigned to become professor of anthropology. He was appointed curator of the Logan Museum from its founding, was dean from 1900 to 1918 and acting president from 1902 to 1903 and 1905 to 1908. He retired in 1931 after more than 40 years of distinguished service.

Dr. Collie was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and of the Geological Society of America, a member of the American Anthropological Association, American Museums Association and a Morgan Fellow at Harvard University. He was also the author of many articles on geographical, geological and archeological subjects.