Outstanding Alumni Award
Craig Hicks ’96 WT, ’99 WFS is a District Supervisor in Ligonier for the USDA’s Wildlife Services program (WS). Craig has worked for WS for 18 years and supervises a team of biologists and technicians in resolving wildlife damage and disease conflicts to protect people, agriculture, and wildlife.
Prior to his current position, Craig has served WS as a Technician and Biologist in South Carolina and Ohio. Immediately following graduation, Craig worked with threatened and endangered species and water quality issues in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Nevada, and California.
Since 2003, Craig has visited the campus delivering presentations on topics ranging from Wildlife Management, Feral Swine, Wildlife Disease, Careers in Wildlife, and has also provided hands-on workshops. He is the current Chair of the Penn State Dubois Wildlife Technology Advisory Board. Craig participates in interviews with first year students, and also mentors some of these students beyond the classroom. He works directly with instructors to provide volunteer internship opportunities to students.
Craig has authored/co-authored several state and national technical advisory and guidance documents, and peer reviewed publications. He has been awarded the National Wildlife Disease Program Disease Biologist of the Year and the Ohio WS Employee of the Year. Craig has Chaired the Ohio Wildlife Disease Reporting Working Group and the Ohio Joint Agency Feral Swine Elimination Working Task Force, and is a former President of the Ohio Fish and Wildlife Management Association. He is a member and Certified Wildlife Biologist with The Wildlife Society. Craig is the leader of the St. Benedict Presbyterian Men’s Group and a coach for his son’s baseball team. He is a member of the National Trappers Association and is a Certified NRA Instructor.
Craig enjoys hunting, fishing, trapping, and golfing. He lives in Johnstown with his wife Sharon, son Quinn, and new baby.