Meet the Dean!
Christine L. Thomas
Christine Thomas is Dean and professor of resource management at the
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources. She was
appointed Dean of the College in May 2005.
In addition to her role as a university educator, Thomas has developed a
program that teaches women outdoor skills, "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman." She
is the first female tenured full professor in the college. She has been
active in the past in regional issues related to women in natural resources,
having co-chaired two Midwest Regional conferences related to work force
diversity.
In addition to her teaching and outreach efforts, Thomas has research
interests that center on resource agency administration, involvement of
women in the outdoors and Wisconsin conservation history. She is an emeritus
member of the board of directors of the Natural Resources Foundation of
Wisconsin and is past vice chair of the board of directors of the Rocky
Mountain Elk Foundation. She was appointed by the governor of Wisconsin to
serve on the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board and is currently Chair.
In 2006, Gail Norton, Secretary of the Interior
at the time, appointed Thomas to the Sporting Conservation Advisory
Council.
Thomas, who has a B.S. in biology from Central Michigan University, an M.S.
in Water Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a
Ph.D. in Land Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has
received a number of awards including:
- Bill Cook Chapter Izaak Walton League Outstanding Conservationist (2008)
- Distinguished Alumnus Award - Central Michigan University College of Science and Technology (2006)
- Outdoor Channel Circle of Honor Award (2005)
- Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Sports Show Hall of Fame for Conservation Achievement (2002)
- Named among "Twenty Most Influential Conservationists in Wisconsin in the 20th Century" by Wisconsin Outdoor Journal (1999)
- Budweiser/National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Outdoorsman of the Year (1998)
- Great lakes Outdoor Writers Association Golden Glow Award (1998)
- Award of Merit from the Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited (1998)
- Educator of the year from Safari Club International (January 1996)
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries - plaque for "Leadership and Enduring Contributions: (1996)
- Whitetail Conservationist of the Year award - WEAU-TV, Eau Claire, WI (1995)
- American Sportfishing Association as their "Woman of the Year" (1995)
- Conservation Achievement award from the National Wildlife Federation (1994)
- Outstanding Educator award from the Nebraska Chapter of Safari Club International (1993)
- Special Service Award from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Wildlife Management
- Outstanding Faculty Member at the UW-SP College of Natural Resources (1992)
- University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Excellence in Teaching Award
(1992)
Thomas lives in Plover, Wisconsin, with her husband Stan. They have one daughter, Shannon.