TUCSON, Ariz.—A University of Arizona professor who authorities say was fatally shot on campus by a former graduate student was an expert on desert water issues who faculty and former students described as a kind and brilliant colleague.
School officials identified Thomas Meixner, who had headed the school’s Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, as the victim in Wednesday afternoon’s shooting.
“This incident is a deep shock to our community, and it is a tragedy,” University President Robert Robbins said in a statement late Wednesday. “I have no words that can undo it, but I grieve with you for the loss, and I am pained especially for Tom’s family members, colleagues, and students.”…