Dean F. Stauffer, professor of wildlife conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1983, Stauffer made significant contributions to bird conservation through his work in the United States, Mexico, and South America, focusing on habitat requirements of migratory birds as well as grouse and quail. 

He was active in The Wildlife Society and the Virginia Chapter of The Wildlife Society as chair of many committees and as an elected officer. In 2017, Stauffer received the society’s Excellence in Wildlife Education Award, which recognizes exemplary teaching and contributions to the improvement of wildlife education for undergraduate and graduate students.

In service to his college, Stauffer was named associate dean of academic programs and also served as associate department head for undergraduate programs for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation.

In the classroom, Stauffer taught a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate courses across the wildlife conservation curriculum. He advised numerous students on master’s degree and doctoral dissertations and helped them develop successful careers in both academic and industrial settings.

Stauffer received Virginia Tech’s 2017 William E. Wine Award for excellence in teaching, his college’s 2016 Outstanding Advisor award, and his college’s first Certificate of Teaching Excellence, awarded in 1994.

Stauffer earned his bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Idaho and a master’s degree from Iowa State University.

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