Awards
Alabama Chapter of The Wildlife Society “Wildlife Biologist of the Year Award”
The Chapter’s “Wildlife Biologist of the Year Award” is presented to a biologist, who in the opinion of the ACTWS Awards Committee has made outstanding contributions toward wildlife conservation in Alabama. Each award will consist of a certificate, monetary award and recognition at the Chapter’s annual meeting.
Nominations must be submitted by an ACTWS member.
Nominations and deadlines will be advertised through the ACTWS communications network prior to each annual meeting.
Award Information, Criteria and Nominating Process
Nominations should include information on the candidate’s background such as education, training, career accomplishments, and the achievement for which the nomination is being submitted. As much information as practical within the space constraints should be furnished to aid the Committee during the selection process. Nomination guidelines are:
1. Nominee and nominator must be a current member of ACTWS.
2. Nominations may be given for a specific project, a career of work, or a combination of both.
3. Nominations should consist of a short (< 400 words) description of the contribution/achievement for which the nomination is being made. Achievements can be related to research, management, administration or education.
4. Nominations must contain the nominee and nominator’s full name, address, email address and phone number. Nominations and the deadlines will be advertised through the ACTWS communications network prior to each annual meeting. Nomination forms must be submitted to jefbaker@southernco.com by COB on the deadline. A committee will score each nomination and select a recipient for the annual ACTWS “Wildlife Biologist of the Year” award.
The nomination form can be downloaded here:
Alabama Chapter of The Wildlife Society “Lifetime Achievement Award”
The Chapter’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” is presented to wildlife professionals who, in the opinion of the ACTWS Awards Committee, have made significant impacts over their careers in the field of wildlife management in Alabama. Each award will consist of a certificate and special presentation, along with recognition at the Chapter’s annual meeting.
Nominations and the deadlines will be advertised through the ACTWS communications network prior to each annual meeting. Due to the prestigious nature of the award, it is not expected that it will be awarded annually, although nominations could be submitted at any time.
The nomination form can be downloaded from the link below:
Past Winners
Alabama Chapter of The Wildlife Society “Wildlife Biologist of the Year Award” recipients
Year Recipient
2023 Nicholas Sharp Nongame Biologist, Alabama Division of WFF
2022 Jeff Baker Biologist, Alabama Power Company
2021 Derek Colbert Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Forest Service
2020 Ericha Shelton-Nix Nongame Biologist, Alabama Division of WFF
2019 Allison Cochran Wildlife Biologist, U. S. Forest Service
Alabama Chapter of The Wildlife Society “Lifetime Achievement Award” recipients
Year Recipient
2023 Eric Soehren Biologist, State Lands Division of AL DCNR
2020 Rhett Johnson Auburn University and The Longleaf Alliance
2019 Frank Boyd State Director, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, Wildlife Services
Photos
2023 Award Recipient
Biologist of The Year
Nicholas Sharp, Biologist, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Lifetime Achievement Award
Eric Soehren, Biologist, State Lands Division of AL DCNR
2022 Award Recipient
Biologist of The Year
Jeff Baker, Biologist, Alabama Power Company
2021 Award Recipient
Biologist of The Year
Derek Colbert, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Forest Service, Conecuh National Forest
2020 Award Recipient
Biologist of The Year
Ericha Shelton-Nix, Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Lifetime Achievement Award
Rhett Johnson, Auburn University and The Longleaf Alliance
2019 Award Recipients
Biologist of The Year
Allison Cochran, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Forest Service, Bankhead National Forest
Lifetime Achievement Award
Frank Boyd, State Director, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, Wildlife Services