EXCELLENCE IN FISHERIES EDUCATION AWARD

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) Excellence in Fisheries Education Award was established in 1988. The award is administered by the Education Section and is presented to an individual to recognize excellence in organized teaching and advising in some aspect of fisheries education. Nominees may be involved in extension or continuing education, as well as traditional college and university instruction. Nominees must be AFS members, have been actively engaged in fisheries education within the last five years, and have had at least 10 years of professional employment experience in fisheries education. Two or more people may act as nominators, but at least one nominator must be an AFS member. The nominator(s) is responsible for compiling supporting material and submitting the application.

The Excellence in Fisheries Education Award (EFEA) is one of the most prestigious awards presented by the American Fisheries Society. It recognizes an individual for excellence and innovation in teaching and advising in fisheries education. All application materials will be considered by the Education Section; however, a well-organized nomination packet is essential for ensuring that the nominee’s accomplishments are highlighted and conveyed to the review committee effectively.  As such, the following is a suggested format for nomination materials.

Award Nominations should be submitted online at https://afsawards.awardsplatform.com/

A. Cover letter.

The cover letter is written by the person(s) nominating the individual for the award and should provide a broad overview and summary of the nominee’s qualifications. It tells the story of who the nominee is as a person, educator, and fisheries professional, particularly highlighting insights not readily apparent from the summary information.

B. Nominee’s CV.

C. Documentation of accomplishments.

Information that should be included where available:

• List of courses taught and summary of number of years each was taught.
• Summary of recent (e.g., 3-5 years) student evaluations of courses, if available.
• Contributions to educational efforts extending beyond the university (e.g., continuing education sessions, professional trainings).
• Number of M.S., and Ph.D. students mentored and highlights of former students’ (B.S., M.S., Ph.D. and post-doctoral fellows) accomplishments.
• Efforts to broaden diversity of the fisheries field and create an inclusive culture in our profession.
• Evidence of innovations and/or effectiveness of pedagogy. Publications and/or presentations on pedagogy, or publications that support fisheries education (e.g., textbooks, resource materials).
• Service to AFS Education Section, or other professional society education endeavors

D. Letters of support

Up to five letters of support from former students or colleagues who have benefitted from the nominee’s teaching leadership.  Letters should provide insight into what makes the nominee particularly noteworthy.

E. Optional items that could be included:

• Example syllabi of courses taught
• A statement of teaching philosophy
• Attachments of papers published focused on pedagogy
• Other material that the nominator(s) feel helps to distinguish the nominee

The Awards Committee is dedicated to AFS goal of increasing diversity and inclusion within our Society. As part of this effort, we highly encourage nominations for individuals from historically underrepresented groups in the fisheries field.

Award Nominations should be submitted online at https://afsawards.awardsplatform.com/

Past Recipients:

• 1988 Terry D. Roelofs
• 1989 Saul B. Saila
• 1990 William C. Leggett
• 1991 Niles R. Kevern
• 1992 Roy E. Stein
• 1993 James D. Hall
• 1994 Brian Murphy
• 1995 Peter B. Moyle & Joseph J. Cech
• 1996 Richard L. Noble
• 1997 David W. Willis
• 1998 Geoffrey Power
• 1999 Wayne A. Hubert
• 2000 Carl B. Schreck
• 2001 Frank J. Rahel
• 2002 John A. (Jack) Musick
• 2003 Hiram W. Li
• 2004 Eric P. Bergersen
• 2005 Christopher S. Guy
• 2006 Joseph E. Hightower
• 2007 Eric M. Hallerman
• 2008 Christopher C. Kohler
• 2009 Michael J. Hansen
• 2010 Thomas P. Quinn
• 2011 Scott Hinch
• 2012 Trent Sutton
• 2013 Frederick Scharf
• 2014 Steve Miranda
• 2015
• 2016
• 2017 Lisa Eby
• 2018 Neil H. Ringler
• 2019 Daniel Hayes
• 2020 Larry Nielsen
• 2021 Andy Danylchuk
• 2022 Derek Ogle
• 2023 Eric Palkovacs
• 2024 Dana Infante
• 2025 Benjamin Reading