By Richard LeComte 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Nick Lally, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Geography in the University of Kentucky’s College of Arts and Sciences, is now vice president-elect of the North American Cartographic Information Society. He will rise to the vice presidency this November after the group’s meeting in Louisville and then to the presidency in November 2026. 

Lally's research examines the digital technologies and practices of police mostly in the United States. He also develops alternative geographic information systems to support more speculative cartographic visualization, thereby expanding these digital tools and their conceptual and aesthetic possibilities. He holds a doctorate in geography from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

“NACIS is the envy of cartographic organizations worldwide,” said Matt Wilson, Ph.D., department chair. “We are so proud that Dr. Lally, a Kentucky cartographer and geographer, has been elected to this important leadership role.” 

Founded in 1980, the society includes cartographers, map librarians and other geospatial professionals. The group focuses on building opportunities for collaboration among its members, enabling them to advance cartographic design, technology and research. It also works to improve graphical literacy and geospatial understanding among the public. This election is the first time a UK faculty member has served in this leadership role.