August 13, 2005

LIVINGSTON, Ala.--Members of the University of West Alabama’s newly formed Environmental Sciences Advisory Board met on campus recently to discuss possible improvements to the environmental science major’s curriculum. The panel, made up of seven professionals in the physical and natural sciences and two junior college representatives, will annually advise the university on steps that can be taken to ensure the success of graduates from the environmental sciences program at UWA.

“The guidance of the advisory board will help us build a stronger program and produce graduates that are more marketable in the field of environmental sciences,” said Dr. Doug Wymer, Director of Environmental Sciences. “There is no reason that our environmental sciences program can't be one of the premier programs in the Southeast, and the contributions of the advisory board are crucial to the strengthening of the program.”

Members of the advisory board include Lynn Beane, a UWA alumnus, of Entec Services, Inc.; Steve Martin of TTL, Inc.; Tom Counts, district biologist at Bankhead National Forest; Jackie Holliday of the Alabama Department of Public Health; Chris Haynes from Shelton State Community College; Sharon Lejune from East Central Community College; UWA alumna Melissa Lowlavar from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Robby Limerick, UWA alumnus and manager of Lake LU; and Chris Oberholster from the Nature Conservancy of Alabama.

“These board members have real world experience and will help appropriately direct our curriculum,” said UWA President Richard Holland. “Their behind-the-scenes roles are crucial, and I’m appreciative of all those who are willing to serve.”

The proposed change to the UWA environmental sciences major involves developing two concentrations within the program. The physical sciences concentration can lead graduates to environmental testing laboratories and other industrial or human health areas. The natural sciences concentration prepares students for work with conservation and natural resources agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Both concentrations will provide preparation for students choosing to enter graduate schools.  For more information about UWA’s environmental sciences program, contact Dr. Doug Wymer at 205-652-3862 or dwymer@uwa.edu.