James L. Hamrick, Distinguished Research Professor of Plant Biology at UGA who studies the genetics and evolution of plant populations, has been named a Regents Professor.
The appointment was approved at the February meeting of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. Regents Professors are recognized as faculty members whose scholarship or creative activity is recognized both nationally and internationally as innovative and pace-setting.
“I am very pleased to have been named as a Regents Professor by the University of Georgia,” said Hamrick. “Much of the success I’ve enjoyed at UGA is due directly to the many talented students, post-doctorals and research associates who have worked with me and to the facilities and support provided by the plant biology and genetics departments.”
Hamrick joined UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences in what was then the department of botany (now plant biology) as a professor in 1986. He served as a research professor from 1990 to1995 and head of the department from 1992 to1995. Since 2000, he has been a Distinguished Research Professor.
“Jim Hamrick has been a major presence here as a department head and then a Distinguished Research Professor for many years,” said Garnett S. Stokes, dean of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. “He follows in the footsteps of other outstanding Franklin faculty in being honored with a Regents Professorship.”
Awardees of a Regents Professorship receive a permanent increase in salary of $10,000 added to the merit raise in the year of initial appointment. In addition, the awardee receives a yearly academic support account of $5,000 as long as she or he holds the professorship.