Since joining Oklahoma State University in 2004, Karen Hickman has taught 15 different courses, mentored 24 graduate students, assisted students to conduct 84 undergraduate research projects and been awarded more than $3.4 million in grant money.

As the recipient of several awards for teaching, advising and research, her work has hardly gone unnoticed. Most recently, Hickman, professor in OSU’s Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, was presented the Outstanding Achievement Award for Research/Academia by the Society for Range Management.

“Karen Hickman has been successful in all facets of her service to the department and the college,” said Ed Miller, NREM interim department head. “Her work with students, enthusiasm for teaching and advising, and her standing among peers in her professional society all add up to excellence.

Hickman has developed a nationally recognized program in the ecology and management of invasive species and currently serves as president of the Oklahoma Invasive Plant Council. Under her direction, the OkIPC has grown its reputation as a widely trusted source of scientific and managerial information.

“To have your work recognized by your peers is a gratifying feeling,” Hickman said. “It has been rewarding to work for the past 20 years with this organization, as well as the other range professionals involved with the Society for Range Management.”

While she is proud of her prolific research accomplishments, Hickman hangs her hat on the interaction she has with students. While she was receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award for Research/Academia, the OSU Range Club, advised by Hickman, was being recognized as the top range club in the United States by receiving the Collegiate Trail Boss Award.

“Mentoring in and outside the classroom inspires students to excel and provides the guidance and professional connections necessary for students and graduates to be successful,” Miller said. “Karen’s recognition at the 2014 SRM meetings and the success of the Range Club, are clearly related. Karen is an outstanding faculty member because she has high standards and leads by example.”