DATE: November 08, 2007

CONTACT: Brett Wright, (864) 656-3036
wright@clemson.edu

WRITER: Ross Norton, (864) 656-4810
rnorton@clemson.edu

Texas A&M professor honored for leading class with environmental ethic

CLEMSON, S.C. — A recently retired Texas A&M professor was honored by Clemson University for being a teacher who inspires by example and leads classrooms with an environmental ethic at the core of his teaching.

Robert B. Ditton was presented the Benton H. Box Award at Clemson’s annual George B. Hartzog Jr. Environmental Awards Program on Oct. 23.

His research is focused on the sociology of natural resources with special attention to the recreational use of coastal and marine environments, the social benefits of outdoor recreation, the human dimensions of recreational fisheries and public access to the ocean, according to Brett Wright, who presented the award. Wright is chairman of Clemson’s parks, recreation and tourism management department.

Ditton serves on the board of directors of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute.

The Hartzog Fund at Clemson University allows the PRTM department to sponsor the Hartzog Lecture Series in Resource Management.

Established in 1966, Clemson’s PRTM department is one of the largest and oldest of its type in North America. The department has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the National Park Service and other federal and state land-management agencies. The Hartzog Lecture and Award Series is in its 29th year.   

Editors: Clemson University is a public, land-grant university in Clemson, S.C. The university is committed to world-class teaching, research and public service. Approximately 17,100 undergraduate and graduate students study on the 1,400-acre campus. Students may choose from more than 70 degree programs offered through the university's five colleges:  Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; Architecture, Arts and Humanities; Business and Behavioral Science; Engineering and Science; and Health, Education and Human Development.