Dr. G. Wayne Clough was named Conservationist of the Year at the Satilla Riverkeeper’s 15th Annual Gala on August 17 at Dr. Wade and Rosemary Strickland’s Lodge in Brantley County.
Dr. Clough grew up in Douglas as a member of a family who settled in South Georgia generations ago. A civil engineer, he served with distinction on the faculties of Duke University, Stanford University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Washington before returning to his alma mater to complete an extremely successful tenure as president of Georgia Tech from 1994 – 2008. From there he went on to offer skillful and visionary leadership on an international stage as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution from 2008 – 2014.
His most recent book, Things New & Strange, was published in May by the University of Georgia Press. In a fascinating and compelling way that only he could, this extraordinary volume traces Dr. Clough’s quest to explore and celebrate the Smithsonian’s incomparable resources that have their roots in his home state of Georgia. The Satilla River and environs played a central role in the emergence of his broad interests and the conservation ethic that has defined so many of his achievements.
His conservation ethic is evidenced in his intense interest and devoted efforts to protect and celebrate the irreplaceable natural and cultural resources that enrich our lives. Throughout his impressive career he has been guided by the core values of responsibility, integrity, relevance, access, community building, philanthropy, and sustainability.
Dr. Clough joins Don Berryhill, Wade and Rosemary Strickland, Derby Waters, and Clay Montague in being named Satilla Riverkeeper’s Conservationist of the Year.
The Satilla Riverkeeper is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, restoring, and educating about the ecologically unique Satilla River. For more information, please visit satillariverkeeper.org.