UT Institute of Agriculture Presents Top Faculty and Staff Awards for 2022
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture recognized some of its top faculty, staff, researchers and Extension experts at UTIA’s annual Awards and Promotions luncheon on the UTIA campus in Knoxville August 16, 2022. Many of the awards are gifts made possible by faculty, alumni and friends of the Institute.
UT Institute of Agriculture Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President Carrie Castille hosted the award winners and celebrated their work. “I am so excited to recognize excellence as exemplified by the award-winning members of our UTIA faculty and staff,” Castille says. “Their continuing commitment to our land-grant mission ensures that the Institute develops and delivers real-life solutions to improve the health and economy of our state and beyond while also enhancing our environment.”
Emma Willcox, associate professor in the UT Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, is the winner of the B. Ray Thompson Sr. Outstanding Faculty Performance Award. This award is made possible by the Thompson Faculty Endowment and is presented annually to Institute of Agriculture faculty who have distinguished themselves by their exceptional performance. This award rotates among the four units within the Institute of Agriculture.
“I am honored and thrilled to receive this award and thank UTIA for selecting me,” says Willcox.
Willcox has been at UT for 10 years. Her research focus is examining how mammals respond to anthropogenic stressors and the threats that emerging infectious diseases pose to mammal populations. Willcox also teaches a variety of courses at UTIA and values the moments where she can witness her students’ successes, including securing graduate positions and furthering their careers in forestry, wildlife and fisheries.
Willcox has a doctorate in wildlife ecology and conservation from the University of Florida, a master’s degree in conservation biology from the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology at the University of Kent and a bachelor’s degree in zoology from Cardiff University. Among her many achievements, she has received the UT Knoxville Chancellor’s Excellence in Advising Award and the Herbert College of Agriculture Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor Award.
Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. utia.tennessee.edu.