Dr. Mamie Parker Gives Powerful Presentation at FSU

Mar 12, 2024 12:00 AM

FSU’s departments of Biology, Educational Professions and Recreation and Parks Management recently hosted a presentation by Dr. Mamie Parker, titled “A Black Woman’s Journey: Breaking Concrete Blocks to Help Save Our Planet to Save Ourselves." Parker is the former Student Conservation Association chair and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) head of Fisheries and Habitat Conservation.

In addition, Parker gave a talk, “What’s Next? Secret Sauces Leading to Fulfilling Natural Resource Jobs With Interdisciplinary Approaches,” to FSU students.

"It was remarkable to witness the students' high level of engagement and her profound impact on everyone in the audience," said Dr. Natalia Buta, FSU Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation and Parks Management. "This event marks just the beginning of what I believe will be a continuing collaboration with Dr. Parker." 

Parker’s nearly three-decade-long career as a fish and wildlife biologist with FWS took her to various locations across the country. Her exceptional leadership within the agency earned her the prestigious Ira Gabrielson Award FWS Leadership Award and the distinction of being the first Black FWS regional director and member of the Senior Executive Service in FWS.

  Group of FSU Faculty and Administrators, and Dr. Mamie Parker

From L-R: Dr. William Seddon, Professor, Dept. of Biology; Dr. Natalia Buta Lowe, Assoc. Professor and Chair, Dept. of Recreation & Parks Mgmt.; Dr. Sudhir Singh, Dean, CBECMS; Dr. Boyce Williams, Dean, CEHNS, Dr. Mamie Parker; Mr. Al Delia, Acting President; Dr. Richard Raesly, Professor, Dept. of Biology, Dr. Traki Taylor, Provost.