CSC professor gains wildlife society honor

Just one of the awards is given annually. Butterfield was nominated by 11 area wildlife biologists and conservation technicians who reside in western Nebraska and work for the U.S. Forest Service and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

In particular, Butterfield was recognized for his leadership in establishing a wildlife management curriculum at Chadron State and assisting numerous students who have enrolled in the program.

“During his long tenure here in Nebraska, he has stood out as a strong and consistent advocate for integrating wildlife and other multiple use values and considerations into classroom and applied range management,” those submitting the nomination wrote.

A native of Wyoming and a graduate of the University of Wyoming, Butterfield joined the faculty at Chadron State in 1999 after serving the previous 11 years as a research technologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Approximately four years ago with assistance of a Chadron State science professor, Dr. Ron Weedon, Butterfield began efforts to add a wildlife management minor to the CSC curriculum. It was noted in the nomination document that this was during a period of major budget shortfalls and cuts were being made in the state college system. But Butterfield persisted and the new program was begun.

The first courses were offered in the fall of 2003 with more than 45 students enrolling. He also led the way in founding a student chapter of the Wildlife Society at CSC and adding graduate courses to the program.

Those nominating Butterfield said he has been the key visionary and provided the energy and determination to make the program a reality.

“He also continues to be the motivator, mentor and advisor for a large number of wildlife students,” they wrote. “The wildlife students that he is helping develop and the future contributions these students will make to wildlife conservation in western Nebraska and across the state represent the fruits of his labor.”

This year, Butterfield is president of the Nebraska Section of the Society for Range Management and is chair of the Department of Applied Sciences at CSC. He and his wife Dorrene have one son, Austin.