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Remembering Dr. Edward O. Wilson

The University of Alabama lost one of its legends on December 26, 2021.

Dr. Edward O. Wilson poses for a picture in 2019 with University of Alabama students who designed an exhibit honoring his achievements. Matthew Wood, Strategic Communications, The University of Alabama
Dr. Edward O. Wilson poses for a picture in 2019 with University of Alabama students who designed an exhibit honoring his achievements. Matthew Wood, Strategic Communications, The University of Alabama

Professor Edward O. Wilson was a giant in many ways. Known as “Darwin’s Natural Heir”, he is credited with the development of no less than two different fields of science and among his many honors, he was the recipient of two Pulitzer Prizes. He was a champion of conservation the world over, but never forgot his Alabama beginnings, for which he was immensely proud. He was a friend and inspiration to the Alabama Museum of Natural History (where many of his awards are currently on display) and its staff, but most importantly, he was an inspiration to numerous students at UA over the years.

If you’d like to read about Dr. Wilson’s visit to the Alabama Museum of Natural History in 2019, we invite you to read our article in the Museum Chronicle.

Learn about a lifetime of scientific discovery on The E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation’s website.

Professor Wilson (who insisted on being called “Ed”) had been a friend of Discovering Alabama for many years and appeared in a number of Discovering Alabama programs, presenting his environmental insights. Discovering Alabama host and creator, Doug Phillips, enjoyed an interview visit with the world-renowned ecologist and Alabama native. Watch Discovering Alabama‘s E.O. Wilson special on the show’s website or YouTube channel.

“Farewell to my dear friend, Ed Wilson, champion for the Creation and fellow advocate for the Alabama Wilds. I will miss the many enjoyable excursions with him in the Alabama backcountry and will always be humbled by his gracious participation with Discovering Alabama. In special remembrance, Discovering Alabama will again feature the renowned Alabama native, Dr. E.O. Wilson, in our upcoming show, Animal Friends, a fitting subject for his legacy of environmental leadership, and sadly, Discovering Alabama’s last opportunity to be blessed with his presence.” – Dr. Doug (Host of Discovering Alabama)

Alabama’s natural history instilled in me a love of the living world. The University of Alabama taught me to live and grow as a person within it.

– Dr. Edward O. Wilson