BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Professor Vicky Meretsky, the director of environmental master’s programs at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, has been honored with the 2024 Dr. Carol Hostetter Lifetime Distinguished Teaching Career Award by the Faculty Academy on Excellence in Teaching at Indiana University.
Meretsky was recognized for her innovative teaching methods, extensive curriculum development, facilitation of experiential learning opportunities, and dedicated mentorship of students and faculty.
“Vicky is a tireless mentor and champion for our environmental master's students,” said R.J. Woodring, associate dean of the O’Neill School. “She knows each of the environmental students, frequently numbering more than 100 annually across our MS in Environmental Science (MSES) program, and she is deeply engaged in their academic planning, often serving as their primary academic advisor. It really is quite breathtaking to see a faculty member so engaged in the academic success of their students. Our students are lucky to have her as their program director.”
Meretsky studies conservation science and policy at both single-species and landscape scales. Her research interests include conservation planning, ecology of rare species, integrating ecosystem and endangered species management with adaptive management, and the impacts of climate change on each. She also is a five-time winner of the Trustees Teaching Award at IU, three-time winner of the Teaching Excellence Recognition Award, and three-time winner of O'Neill's Outstanding Teaching Award.
But Meretsky’s career has been about more than accolades. It's about the countless lives she has touched through her mentorship and guidance, shaping the next generation of scholars and professionals. Meretsky’s work with students has allowed her to connect them with professional opportunities, particularly with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“She has always been a strong supporter of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the work that we do,” said Jeff Kiefer, Indiana private lands coordinator for the department. “She has helped her many students to understand the various functions of the Service and the complexities of achieving our conservation mission. Vicky has always been eager to share available opportunities with her students to help them gain experience and find a career path.”
Meretsky will be honored during the FACET IGNITE Celebration to be held April 18 on the Bloomington campus.