MONTEVALLO— Jill Wicknick, associate professor of biology at the University of Montevallo, is the recipient of the 2012 Faculty Service Award. Wicknick was recognized at UM’s Founders’ Day convocation, held Oct. 11 in Palmer Hall.
Wicknick joined the Montevallo faculty in 2003 as an assistant professor of biology and immediately became an active force in support of service and environmental issues, not only at the University, but also in the community at large. One of her first projects was to revitalize the recycling program at UM, and because of the success of that effort, the program was expanded to the City of Montevallo. The range of materials to be recycled was expanded, as well.
Wicknick has served on numerous committees to promote green initiatives including the City of Montevallo Green Team, the ValloCycle Bikeshare committee (a cooperative program between the University and the city) and the UM Sustainability Committee. She also has worked with the Student Government Association to implement the Green Fund and award funding to proposed projects across the UM campus.
Wicknick has served as faculty adviser for the University’s Environmental Club since its inception in 2004, coordinating activities such as recycling, the Community Garden and cleanup days at UM’s Ebenezer Swamp. She was a key leader in the development of the Environmental Studies minor, which received approval in 2009.
A strong advocate of community service, Wicknick is a member of the Service Learning leadership team and is active in Montevallo Matters Day, a workday for incoming freshmen during orientation. She also serves on the executive committee of Montevallo Connection, an organization that promotes interaction between University students and school children (Future Falcons) in the community. She is a frequent volunteer at local schools, introducing students to biology, ecology and careers in science.
In a letter nominating Wicknick for the Faculty Service Award, one colleague wrote, “Jill’s service has extended not just to UM but to the Montevallo community as a whole. Her work has contributed to a greener campus and city, and a new awareness on environmental issues.”