Emilee Hale, a graduating senior in the Auburn University Wildlife Ecology and Management program from Hazel Green, Alabama, has been selected to lead the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment’s class of 2022 in this fall’s commencement ceremonies Dec. 9-10.
At Auburn, Hale has been a student researcher in Stephen Ditchkoff’s Deer Lab and recently assisted John Kush as a research and management technician. Hale also has held the position of undergraduate teaching assistant for Scott Bowling and been involved with volunteer research for Wendy Hood in the Hood Laboratory, which focuses on nutrition, physiology and performance variation.
“When choosing a degree path, it seemed obvious that the Wildlife Ecology and Management degree here at Auburn University would provide me with the necessary skills to maintain good stewardship of the land and wildlife that I had come to care so much about,” Hale said.
Hale thanks her father for instilling in her a true respect for the natural world.
“This respect has driven my pursuit of knowledge of the natural world’s mechanisms and the ways in which humans can physically manipulate the environment for the benefit of both wildlife and man,” Hale said.
Hale, who earned her associate degree from Calhoun Community College in Huntsville, believes she has gained more than a Bachelor of Science during her time on the Plains.
“My time here at Auburn has felt so short, yet it is packed full of so many wonderful memories that I am not soon to forget,” Hale said. “Even if I had the chance, I would not do anything differently; each step I have taken since coming to Auburn has made me a better person in my personal life, as well as a more well-rounded wildlife biologist in my professional life.
After graduation, Hale plans to work as a wildlife biologist with the ultimate goal of holding an executive position at the state level, focusing on the conservation and management of a species.
“Along with working as a wildlife biologist, I want to create or maintain an educational outreach program at the local community level to foster the curiosity of the next generation of wildlife biologists and conservationists,” Hale said.
“Emilee Hale is an excellent choice for our College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment’s class in this fall’s commencement ceremonies,” said Dean Janaki Alavalapati. “Emilee’s motivation for gaining knowledge outside of the classroom has provided her with invaluable experience that has prepared her for advancing her academic and professional knowledge in post-graduate life. We look forward to witnessing her continued success in her career as a future natural resource professional.”
The university will kick off its graduation weekend at 5 p.m. CT on Friday, Dec. 9, with a commencement address from Auburn alumna Simona Black, a retired colonel in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps.
On Saturday, Dec. 10, the university will host 10 undergraduate ceremonies and two Graduate School ceremonies at assigned times throughout the day in Neville Arena. The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment’s ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m., and the times for all schools and colleges are listed on the commencement website.
Additional information is available on the commencement website, and information will be posted on the university’s commencement Facebook and Instagram accounts.
(Written by Avanelle Elmore)
