(December 16, 2010) – New College of Florida alumna and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Julie Morris was recently recognized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for her history of honorable service.
Morris, who began her involvement with the Florida Wildlife Agency in 1984 as an advisor on nongame wildlife management, was the FWC’s first formally elected chair. She served on the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission and subsequently on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission from 1991 through 2002. Following her service at the state level, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce appointed her to three consecutive terms on the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, where she also served a term as chair.
In a special ceremony during the FWC’s December 2, 2010, meeting, Division of Marine Fisheries Director Mark Robson hailed Morris’ contributions, stating that her expertise helped Florida maintain a leadership role on the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and that in doing so she helped protect and enhance marine resources vital to the fishing, boating, diving and outdoor tourism industries in the Gulf of Mexico.
In addition to Robson, Morris’ history of involvement and stewardship in the FWC was recognized by other leaders of the organization as well. Commissioner Brian Yablonski credited Morris as being one of the most thoughtful and provocative public servants he has worked with, while current FWC Chair Rodney Barreto recognized Morris for her crucial leadership role in the transition from the former Game and Freshwater Fish Commission to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
For more information, please contact the New College Office of Public Affairs at [email protected] or by phone at (941) 487-4153.