MSU College of Forest Resources recognizes outstanding faculty and staff

Contact: Carson McFatridge

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s College of Forest Resources recently honored faculty and staff for their dedication and service to the college’s mission of fostering the management, conservation and sustainable use of forest, wildlife and aquatic resources to benefit the people of Mississippi, the nation and world at its annual awards ceremony.

Wes Burger, CFR dean and director of MSU’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center, said recipients contribute to raising the standard of excellence across the college, sharing essential expertise while inspiring students and serving stakeholders.

 “Our faculty and staff provide exceptional mentorship, advising and support, helping students succeed academically and prepare for rewarding careers in natural resources,” Burger said. “The research and outreach led by our faculty, staff and students are making a real difference in natural resource management. I am proud to lead such an outstanding college and center.”

Honorees Include:

—Kristine Evans, FWRC Research Award. An associate professor of wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture and associate director of MSU's Geosystems Research Institute, Evans is recognized for her impact both across the U.S. and internationally for her contributions to conservation. Over the last three years, she has published 17 peer-reviewed articles and received more than $23 million in extramural funding.

—Kevin Ragon, CFR/FWRC Service Award: An assistant Extension professor in sustainable bioproducts, Ragon has exhibited outstanding service to MSU, its students and national and international shareholders. Through programs including the Wood Magic Science Fair, he is investing in the future of the field. Additionally, he has advised five graduate students over the past three years and secured thousands in scholarship funds to assist.  

—Leslie Burger, CFR Teaching Award and Regina and Glenn Doran Faculty Award for Excellence in Mentoring and Collaborative Practice. An undergraduate coordinator and associate professor of wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture, Burger is esteemed as an educator, teaching numerous undergraduate and graduate courses, including 16 online. Recently, she was recognized as the Conservation Educator of the Year by The Wildlife Society and is widely respected across MSU’s campus for her dedication to student success and institutional effectiveness. Additionally, she advises more than 50 students, helping them map their future.

—Chris Ayers, CFR/FWRC Service Award: An assistant teaching professor and curator of collections in the wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture department, Ayers has found numerous ways to utilize his expertise in conservation to serve others. He has served on the university’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee for more than 10 years and represented the college on the Robert Holland Faculty Senate. He volunteered as a trainer for the Mississippi high school 4-H wildlife team and helped to secure more than $30,000 for the construction of the state’s largest bat house.

—Ashley Schulz, CFR/FWRC Service Award: An assistant forestry professor, Schulz uses her experience to invest in students and represent MSU beyond campus. Not only does she advise students enrolled in the urban forestry concentration, but she also volunteers as coach for the timber sports team and as an advisor for the Fire Dawgs student organization. She is a member of various professional organizations and serves as a reviewer for more than 20 different peer-review journals. She has been on grant review panels for the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Defense and the British Ecological Society Review College.

—Jimmy Avery, CFR Extension/Outreach Award: As Extension professor of wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture and director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Southern Regional Aquaculture Facility, Avery has dedicated more than 26 years of outstanding service to Extension. He is recognized globally for his contributions to the catfish industry and served as the president and past president of the World Aquaculture Society, which is comprised of more than 3,000 members representing around 100 countries. 

—Adam Polinko, FWRC Early Career Achievement Award: An assistant forestry professor, Polinko has produced 16 peer-reviewed articles, received more than $9 million in grants, advised the nationally acclaimed MSU Society of American Foresters student chapter and worked as major professor for 10 master’s and two doctoral students since 2022.

—Josh Granger, CFR Advising Award: An associate forestry professor, Granger is dedicated to helping his students grow professionally. Since he began at MSU in 2018, Granger has advised 58 undergraduate, nine master’s and four doctoral students. He also has hired students to work at the university forest, assisted in their research and guided all forestry undergraduates through the nine-week forestry summer field program.

—Carrie Stroud, CFR Doris Lee Memorial Professional Staff Award: A forestry department business manager, Stroud plays a pivotal role in maintaining financial records. Colleagues note she approaches every task with a positive attitude, observant attention to detail and a strong work ethic.

—Adam Holder, CFR Beverly Smith Professional Staff Award: A network analyst, Holder, who has been with the college nearly 20 years, is recognized for his ability to resolve complex technical issues efficiently and effectively, ensuring the needs of all users are met.

—Patricia Smith, CFR Doris Lee Memorial Support Staff Award: An office associate in the wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture department, Smith is a highly regarded team member for her knowledge of departmental policies, university procedures, travel coordination, thesis/dissertation submission and more.

—Chris Forrester, CFR Beverly Smith Support Staff Award: A building maintenance technician, Forrester is the first call when there is a facility issue, according to nominators. Forester is noted for contributing to college cost savings through his maintenance and prevention efforts.

Fellowships include:

—Kevin Ragon, assistant Extension professor, Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, Harold C. Lucas Fellowship.

—Laya Khademibami, assistant research professor, Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, James R. Moreton Fellowship.

—Fatemeh Rezaei, assistant research professor, Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, James R. Moreton Fellowship.

For more information about MSU’s College of Forest Resources, visit www.cfr.msstate.edu. Visit www.fwrc.msstate.edu for information about the Forest and Wildlife Research Center.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.