Biography of W. Peter Conroy.

Pete Conroy is the Director of Jacksonville State University's Environmental Policy and Information Center (EPIC). Trained as a biologist. Mr. Conroy moved to Alabama in 1985 to work as the curator of the Anniston Museum of Natural History.

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Through his work with the museum he began leading efforts to popularize science and create enthusiasm for natural history. In 1986 he led over a thousand amateur astronomers into the darkness looking for Halley's Comet. "It was just a little fuzzy spot in night sky, but the reaction was huge" Conroy said. "Not being able to see them, it was a strange way to meet people" he continued. One of the voices he became friends with was that of Doug Ghee. who later because a State Senator and one of Pete's early advocates, encouraging his involvement in Alabama's political process. Working together with Senator Ghee and others, they helped to create the Forever Wild program that has now protected over 100,000 acres of habitat throughout the State.

Conroy is more directly credited for the protection of other areas. Through his leadership, the Little River Canyon National Preserve was created in 1992, the Dugger Mountain Wilderness in 1999 and the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge in 2002. "The plan is to connect these protected areas with attractions and educational facilities that increase our interest in science and appreciation for biological diversity" Conroy says. "We continue to prove that environmental protection and economic development can be a symbiotic relationship" he says.

Also serving as the Director of JSU's Field Schools, Conroy points to several of his construction projects as examples. The Little River Canyon Center has been funded over $6 million to JSU, through NASA, for use by the National Park Service near Fort Payne. The JSU Longleaf Center has been funded nearly $1 million for use as a natural resource center near the Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge and adjoining the Talladega National Forest in Heflin. "From the deepest canyon to the highest mountain, these terrific partnerships will promote conservation, science education, cultural appreciation, and tourism" Conroy says.

Since his early days in Alabama, Conroy has received appointments from Governors Guy Hunt (R), Jim Folsom (D), Fob James (R), and Don Siegelman (D). In 2000 he was selected by Governor Siegelman to Chair the Alabama Commission on Environmental Initiatives and in 2002, he was appointed to Chair the Alabama Geographic Information Council.

Pete received White House appointments by President Bill Clinton in early 1999 to serve as the Alternate U.S. Federal Commissioner of the Tri-State (ACT/ACF) Water Compacts. In his capacity as Commissioner, he remained as an outspoken advocate for natural flow regimes, science based decision making and for the agencies tasked to collect river data.

The reuse of the former Fort McClellan is another example of Conroy's impact. at McClellan, Conroy has created "Music at McClellan" (an outdoor concert series featuring the Alabama Symphony Orchestra), the Mountain Longleaf Festival (an Earthday celebration of arts and environment), and currently he is working on the creation of an environmental research park. "Starting with McClellan's vast acreage and a $200,000 RFP, we are working with both the private and pubic sectors to look at the feasibility of a center that will combine technology, science and some amazingly synergistic partnerships." Conroy continues. "We continue to make progress. Who knows, it might just work!"

Among the awards and recognition for his efforts, Conroy has received:

* The Golden Leaf Award, from the Nature Conservancy of Alabama 1992.

* Malcolm Stewart Award, Alabama Environmental Council, 1993 and 2000.

* Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, Membership Award, JSU, 1994.

* Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Outstanding Board Member Award, 1999.

* W. Kelly Mosley Environmental Award for Achievements in Forestry, Wildlife, and Related Resources, 2000.

* Patriotic Service Award, US Department of the Army, 2003

* Citizen of the Year Award, the Anniston Star, 2006

Born in Pennsylvania, Pete moved to Asheville, North Carolina with his family in 1970. He later received his Bachelor's degree in biology from Furman University in South Carolina and his Master's degree in zoology from the University of Georgia. With his wife Roxana and daughter Haley, Pete lives in Jacksonville, Alabama. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Conroy of Asheville, NC. His web site is http://epic.jsu.edu and he encourages its use!

The Alabama Academy of Sciences expresses its deepest gratitude and admiration for the contributions of Pete Conroy. We wish Mr. Conroy continuous success in all his future endeavors.