Ecology establishes new Dean’s Advisory Council

Allyson Mann September 30, 2024

Chris Sawyer, chair of the new Dean's Advisory Council, addresses the group during its first meeting held Sept. 19-20 on the UGA campus. (Photo: Allyson Mann)

The Odum School of Ecology has established a new Dean’s Advisory Council, with members traveling to campus for an inaugural meeting Sept. 19-20. Eleven of the 15 members were in attendance for a special dinner and discussions on the future of the Odum School. Students and faculty had the opportunity to participate in both events, fostering connections between future leaders and established professionals.

The Advisory Council’s mission is to advise Dean Mark Hunter on strategic initiatives that will keep the school’s teaching, research and community partnerships at the forefront of ecological science.

“It was inspiring to bring such a talented and engaged group of leaders to the Odum School,” said Dean Hunter. “With their guidance and support, we will continue to grow our outstanding scholarship, education and service programs.”

Council members will also leverage their networks to create meaningful relationships with industry partners, enhance philanthropic support, and collaborate with a diverse community of environmental leaders and faculty to address today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

“We are challenged and inspired by the excellence of Odum and the existential importance of its research and teaching,” said Chris Sawyer, chair of the Advisory Council. “We are consequently delighted and grateful to be involved in this calling and look forward to working with the dean and our faculty, staff and students to build a school that is positioned to meet fully the enormous and ever-growing responsibilities to Georgia and the world that its mission calls us to serve.”

The group includes:

Chris Sawyer, Chair
Alston & Bird

John Hardman
Woodleaf Partners

Will Harris (UGA ’76)
White Oak Pastures

Royce Hayes (UGA ’75)
St. Catherine’s Island Foundation

Ray Jakubczak (Ecology ’89)
British Petroleum, Retired

Felton Jenkins (Ecology ’90)
Trimaran Capital

Alice Keyes (Ecology ’99)
100 Miles

Brad McAllister (Ecology ’02)
WAP Sustainability

Nancy-Clair Laird McInaney
R. Howard Dobbs Jr. Foundation

Natasha Rice
Chattahoochee Nature Center

Nancy Sagar
Brighter Investing

Charlie Seabrook
Author

Masato Webb (UGA ’21)
Delta

Jacob Yarborough (UGA ’13)
Creature Comforts Brewing

Stephanie Yarnell-MacGrory (Ecology ’06)
Sanofi