1938
Born to James and Alice Rushton in Burnley, England.
1959
Earns a Bachelor of Arts from the University Wales, Aberystwyth.
1961
Earns a Master of Arts from the University Wales, Aberystwyth.
1963
Marries Carolyn Arnell Lucken.
1964
Earns a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Iowa.
1964
Teaches as an assistant professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, through 1967.
1967
Teaches as an assistant professor at Michigan State University through 1969.
1969
Teaches as an associate professor at the University of Iowa through 1972.
1971
Is a consultant for the Ford Foundation in India through 1974.
1972
Becomes a full professor at the University of Iowa through 2013.
1978
Is a consultant for and supported by the National Science Foundation through 1983.
1990
Becomes consultant on the Iowa City Community School Board and remains in this role.
2000
Is an editorial board member of the Association of American Geographers through 2003 and maintains general membership.
2005
Teaches as a professor at San Diego University.
2013
Is named professor emeritus of the University of Iowa and continues to hold this title.
2013
Retires from his profession as a geography professor and researcher.