JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton Science Schools this week announced that Robert “Bob” G. Stanton was chosen to receive the Murie Spirit of Conservation Award, and Lia Cheek named for the Murie Spirit of Conservation Rising Leader Award. An event recognizing the two will be held virtually on August 11.
Bob Stanton was the first African American to be appointed as Director of the National Park Service, serving from 1997-2001. He was also the first career civil service employee appointed to the position since Russel E Dickson. Confirmed by the United States Senate and appointed by President Bill Clinton, Stanton served as the 15th National Park Service director.
Beginning with his appointment by Interior Secretary Stewart Lee Udall in 1962 as a seasonal park ranger at Grand Teton National Park, he has dedicated his life’s work to improving the preservation and management of the nation’s natural and cultural resources.
During his decades-long career, Stanton received five honorary doctorate degrees, and numerous awards, including the U.S. Department of the Interior’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Award. Though retired from the NPS, he continues to devote much of his time to various professional and civic affairs, serving currently and in recent years as a leader in the Student Conservation Association, Guest Services, Inc, the African American Experience Fund of the National Park Foundation, Environmental Law Institute, Rosenwald Park Campaign and the Endangered Species Coalition.
Teton Science Schools’ executive director, Chris Agnew stated, “Bob Stanton is a hero to American public land and conservation. Beyond his leadership in the National Park Service, his legacy will be in his mentorship for so many conservation leaders now and years into the future.”
Lia Cheek is currently the national director of field campaigns for the Endangered Species Coalition (ESC). She has a bachelor’s degree in ecology from Dartmouth College and spent three years as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines, where she focused on community-based marine conservation. Cheek has worked on marine conservation issues in the Asia Pacific region with RARE, and with Foreign Policy experts during her time at The Brookings Institute.
During her time with ESC, Cheek has mobilized member groups, staff, and volunteers to introduce state legislation in support of wildlife connectivity and advance key campaigns in support of the conservation of orca, wolves, and pollinators.
Currently, Cheek is a second year Master’s student in American University’s Global Environmental Policy Program.
The Murie Spirit of Conservation Awards ceremony is an annual celebration of conservation leadership honoring individuals who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the protection of wildlife and wild places. The Murie Spirit of Conservation Award recognizes a person whose life work demonstrates a commitment to conservation, civility and community.
Recent awardees have included Jimmy Chin, Bert Raynes, Sally Jewell, Harrison Ford, John Turner, Luther Propst, Dr. George Schaller, Dr. Robert Krear, Gretchen Long, and Addie Donnan.
