Dr. Sam Fuhlendorf, Regents professor and Groendyke Chair in wildlife conservation in the Oklahoma State University Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management, has received a 2026 Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award.
Fuhlendorf is among 16 faculty members honored by the Big 12 Conference for excellence in campus innovation and research. The Faculty of the Year Awards honor one faculty member from each of the conference’s 16 member institutions.
“Dr. Fuhlendorf embodies the very best of Oklahoma State University’s land-grant mission through his research, commitment to producers and dedication to improving the stewardship of our natural resources,” said Dr. Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture. “His work in rangeland ecology has transformed management practices across the Great Plains and around the world, creating benefits for agricultural producers, wildlife and ecosystems. This well-deserved recognition from the Big 12 reflects Dr. Fuhlendorf’s contributions to science, education and Extension, and we are proud to celebrate this achievement with him.”
Fuhlendorf is internationally recognized as one of the leading scholars in rangeland ecology and sustainable land management. He developed a novel approach to rangeland management by integrating fire, enabling producers to raise livestock and manage woody plant encroachment simultaneously.
“I am very honored,” Fuhlendorf said. “I believe the honor is a reflection of my wonderful family and friends as well as the amazing faculty and staff at Oklahoma State University who have helped me so much over the years.”
A recent recipient of OSU’s Eminent Faculty Award, Fuhlendorf has published more than 290 peer-reviewed articles and earned more than 21,000 citations, ranking him among the top five most-published and most-cited scientists globally in rangeland ecology.
Fuhlendorf has been in the department since 2006. His work with OSU Extension has been crucial in shifting perspectives for rangeland restoration in the Great Plains region.
“The Big 12 continues to shine on and off the field and that’s evidenced in the diversity of academic offerings and achievements of our faculty across the conference,” said Jenn Hunter, JD, Big 12 Conference Chief Impact Officer. “Their work has a profound impact on both their campuses and society as a whole. We’re proud that these outstanding educators call the Big 12 home.”
Other recipients include: Rebecca Tsosie (Arizona), Victoria Jackson (Arizona State), Randall Bradley (Baylor), Mike Drake (BYU), Mubarak Shah (UCF), Christy Holland (Cincinnati), Lee Niswander (Colorado), Venekat Selvamanickam (Houston), Lisa Schulte Moore (Iowa State), John Kelly (Kansas), Carl Ade (Kansas State), Morgan Swink (TCU), Christopher Smith (Texas Tech), William Holland (Utah) and Dana Voelker (West Virginia).