SFA faculty to be honored at annual Gala

Dr. Warren Conway

Two faculty members of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture will be honored for outstanding achievement at the Stephen F. Austin State University Foundation's 21st annual Gala on Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Baker Pattillo Student Center.

Dr. David Kulhavy, professor of forest entomology and landscape ecology, is the recipient of the Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching, and Dr. Warren C. Conway, associate professor of wildlife management, is the recipient of the Faculty Achievement Award for Research.

From nationally recognized, hands-on workshops and expositions for school-aged children, to a Smithsonian Institute exhibition of children's monarch butterfly drawings, Kulhavy has engaged thousands of young minds. "Dr. Bug," as he is known, actively seeks out new and innovative ways to share his knowledge of entomology, environmental science and other aspects of his field.

At SFA, Kulhavy teaches several courses from forest pest management to conservation of natural resources, and he has authored numerous industry articles and publications. Under Kulhavy's direction, a project by landscape ecology students was selected to represent SFA at the Clinton Global Initiative University, where undergraduate students from around the world present plans to better the world landscape.

Kulhavy was awarded fellowship by the Society of American Foresters in 2008 and the A.D. Hopkins Award for Excellence in Southern Forest Entomology in 2006. He also has received the national Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching from the Entomological Society of America.

Kulhavy earned a bachelor's degree in zoology from San Diego State University, and both a master's degree in forest entomology and doctoral degree in forest sciences entomology pathology from the University of Idaho. Kulhavy joined the SFA faculty in 1978. He was named Regents Professor in 1996.

Since joining the SFA faculty in 2002, Dr. Warren Conway has expanded the research efforts of the college and secured more than $2 million in external funding for wildlife management programs, primarily the study of habitats and eco-regions.

Conway has contributed to numerous industry publications including "The Journal of Wildlife Management" and "The Southeastern Naturalist." He has been active in recruiting new students to the graduate program and has shared his knowledge through presentations and lectures throughout the country. In 2005, Conway received the Outstanding Educator award from the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society.

Currently, Conway is overseeing several graduate students who are involved in applied research on topics such as wintering waterfowl ecology, American alligator habitat use, wading bird behavior, bald eagle nest site selection processes, constructed wetland ecology and maturation, and others. His research interests are varied, but share a commonality in blending applied wildlife science with theoretically sound ecological experimentation.

Conway earned a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology and management from the University of Rhode Island, and he earned both a master's and doctoral degree in wildlife sciences from Texas Tech University.

Gala festivities begin at 6 p.m. with a reception and dance followed by a candlelight dinner and presentations at 8 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Tom Houston Combo and by Dallas-based entertainers TOP, playing a variety of smooth jazz, Motown, disco, oldies and today's hits. Tickets are $160 for orchestra seating and $110 for ballroom seating.

Proceeds from the annual Gala help build the permanent endowment created by the SFA Foundation to honor faculty achievement. As a commitment to excellence, this continually growing endowment recognizes innovation and excellence in teaching, research and service. For tickets and information, call (936) 468-5406.