Allan Strong '83, PhD

The University of Vermont (UVM) Alumni Association has named Allan Strong '83 the 2025 recipient of the George V. Kidder Outstanding Faculty Award. Allan is Director of the Wildlife and Fisheries Biology Program within the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources.

Each year, the Kidder Award honors one full-time University of Vermont faculty member for excellence in teaching and extraordinary contributions to the enrichment of campus life. Established in memory of Dr. George V. Kidder, UVM class of 1922, this prestigious award has been presented annually since 1974. The late George Kidder served the university for more than 70 years, including as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Professor Strong embodies the spirit of the Kidder Award. "Allan is a gifted educator who brings bird ecology and conservation to life, challenging students to analyze complex systems while equipping them with tools to address global environmental challenges. Across UVM, he fosters an inclusive, collaborative learning environment that inspires curiosity and growth. Beyond the classroom, Allan's mentorship has influenced the academic and career paths of students, faculty, and staff through his thoughtful and compassionate approach to leadership." said Peter Newman G'02, Dean of the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources.

Some of the comments received from students and faculty colleagues about Professor Strong during the nomination process include:

"Allan's emphasis on teaching applicable skills, his encouragement to be curious about learning, and his commitment to bring course material to life, whether they are rising before dawn for Field Ornithology (the morning bird calls are memorable), writing poems or raps as discussion prompts, or enjoying 'ornitherapy' breaks have shaped my college experience and will continue to have an impact on the way that I observe and study the world around me into the future." (Student)

"Allan is the epitome of the scholar-teacher and has a keen, student-oriented eye to services, all framed within the core values of high-standards of academics and education. As an alum and faculty member, Allan loves the University of Vermont and fosters a place of academic excellence that benefits all." (Colleague)

"Allan's enthusiasm for ornithology and naturalist observation is something that infects even the most reluctant students. I am forever grateful for his willingness to lead outings and guide natural walks outside of the classroom. Birdwatching has become my chief hobby." (Alumni)

In addition to being a Wildlife and Fisheries professor in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, Allan Strong is a Fellow of the American Ornithological Society and serves as the Chair of Vermont's Endangered Species Committee. Allan's research focuses on the effects of anthropogenic habitat modification (e.g., ski resorts, urbanization, and agricultural management) on bird populations.

Much of his current work investigates the economic and ecological feasibility of implementing bird-friendly management practices for grassland birds in the Champlain Valley. His research has also investigated the tropical ecology of Neotropical migratory birds, the role of birds as seed dispersers, the ecology of high elevation bird species, and the role of birds in trophic level interactions. He is a strong proponent of the mental health benefits of ornitherapy.

Dr. Strong earned a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from UVM in 1983, a M.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from the University of Missouri, Columbia in 1986 and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University in 1999. He joined UVM in 1999. The UVM Alumni Association and previous Kidder Award recipients will honor Allan in the autumn of 2025.