Nomination Statement for George W. Tanner, recipient of the Florida Chapter of The Wildlife Society’s 2019 Herbert W. Kale, II Award

Forty years ago, in 1978, George W. Tanner, a fresh Ph.D. from Texas A & M, joined the faculty of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, UF, assuming the academic responsibilities of teaching, research, and technology transfer in his area of expertise, vegetation management.  Fast forward thirty years to his retirement from UF; history will reveal that Dr. Tanner excelled in every undertaking in academe.  I would be remiss if I did not highlight two of his notable achievements.

First, because of his much sought-after expertise in vegetation measurement and habitat analysis, Dr. Tanner served on the graduate supervisory committees of 125-plus M.S. and Ph.D. candidates.  Many of these young professionals are members of the Florida Chapter of TWS, and can attest to his demonstrated concern, dedicated commitment, and professional competence in interactions with them.  He was a mentor with great prowess!

Second, Dr. Tanner exhibits a genuine style of quiet but firm diplomacy, which creates unusual trust with all whom he interacts. This attribute allows him to effectively stimulate and foster high levels of cooperation from people in all walks of both professional and personal life.

An accomplished professional and ultimate gentleman, Dr. George W. Tanner would be a most deserving recipient of the Herbert W. Kale, II Award.