Missouri Western State University’s Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society was named 2014 Student Chapter of the Year for the North Central Section of The Wildlife Society, the sixth time the chapter has won the honor in the seven years it has been eligible.
“In the North Central Section, our chapter competes against some of the largest, oldest student chapters at some of the largest natural resources management schools in the country,” said Dr. Cary Chevalier, professor of biology and organization advisor. “We can be very proud of the hard work and commitment our student chapter members invested and the respect and recognition they have clearly earned across eight states and 21 other student chapters.”
Missouri Western’s student chapter was honored as the section chapter of the year in 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014. The chapter was twice honored as International Student Chapter of the Year by The Wildlife Society, in 2011 and 2013, and Dr. Chevalier was honored as International Student Chapter Advisor of the Year in 2013.
Dr. Cary Chevalier (right) is faculty advisor to Missouri Western’s Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society.Student chapters are evaluated in several categories, including workshop development, professional development, contributions to wildlife management, community service and contributions to natural resource education. Many chapter activities allow wildlife and conservation management majors to work alongside professionals in the field, Dr. Chevalier said, an opportunity welcomed by the professionals as well as the students.
“It is an honor and privilege to work with such a high-quality university and staff,” said Dr. Paul McKenzie, endangered species coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “This award is a prime example of why Missouri Western continues to excel in preparing students for careers in the many different facets of outdoor conservation. The Fish and Wildlife Service enjoys the long-term excellent partnership with all of the staff of Missouri Western’s Department of Biology.”
Missouri Western’s students volunteer thousands of hours every year at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Volunteer activities include deer surveys, managed deer hunts, habitat work days, teaching hunter safety classes and much more.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.