He holds a Ph.D. in Geochemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and several honorary degrees, including Doctor of Science degrees from Berea College and from Oberlin College.
He taught Geology at Oberlin College for over 20 years.
He served as Acting President of Oberlin, President of Franklin and Marshall College, President of Reed College, President of the Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia, and President and Director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History.
Powell currently serves as Executive Director of the National Physical Science Consortium.
President Reagan and later, President George H. W. Bush, both appointed Powell to the National Science Board, where he served for 12 years.
Asteroid 1987 SH7 is named for him. He has written nine books.