10/23/97

David Granger (grangdm@mail.auburn.edu)

CAUSEY NAMED FIRST IRELAND PROFESSOR AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY

AUBURN -- Keith Causey, an Auburn University professor of zoology and wildlife science, is the recipient the first William R. & Fay Ireland Endowed Distinguished Professorship in Wildlife Science.

Causey, who also leads Auburn's white-tailed deer research program, said he sees his position as Ireland Professor as a chance to enhance the quality and reputation of Auburn's wildlife science program.

"Being awarded the first Ireland Distinguished Professorship in Wildlife Science is, of course, the highlight of my 30-year career at Auburn," Causey said. "Over the next three years, I hope to set a positive example for future Ireland recipients in my efforts toward increased scholarships, fellowships and other program developments as well as significantly contributing to the quality and visibility of our wildlife teaching, research and extension programs at AU."

The Ireland Professorship was created through an initial endowment of $300,000 from William R. Ireland and his wife, Fay, and is administered by the Auburn University Foundation, through which contributions may be made to the endowment.

Ireland attended Auburn in the early 1940s before serving in World War II. The long-time Vulcan Materials Co. executive and board member has made numerous generous contributions to AU and is the namesake of the William R. Ireland Fisheries Laboratory at AU's Fisheries Research Unit. He received an honorary degree from Auburn in 1993, serves on the board of the Auburn University Foundation and on the advisory council for AU's College of Mathematics and Sciences.

Ireland is also a board member and past president of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, a member of the advisory board of the Alabama Wildlife Rescue Service and a member of the Governor's Committee on the Forever Wild amendment. He has been honored for his efforts on behalf of wildlife with the 1994 Walter L. Mims Lifetime Achievement Award in Wildlife Conservation and the 1995 Ducks Unlimited Marsh Project Award.

As Ireland Professor, chief among Causey's goals will be to develop among various sources --- private industry, alumni and other individuals or groups --- an interest in funding scholarships and/or fellowships in wildlife science. Causey hopes to identify, locate and organize AU wildlife science alumni for their assistance and to eventually create an Auburn Wildlife Alumni Scholarship program.

Prior to joining the Auburn faculty, Causey received a bachelor's degree in forestry, a master's degree in game management and a doctorate in entomology --- all from Louisiana State University. He has authored or co-authored more than 100 published research and magazine articles on topics ranging from the effects of insecticide residues on certain game species to age estimations of white-tailed deer.

Causey is a member of The Wildlife Society at the national, regional, state and local levels. During his career, he also has been active in the Alabama Academy of Sciences, the Southeastern Association of Game and Fish Commissioners and the Alabama Conservancy.

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