MSU College of Natural Science recognizes Conner as outstanding faculty

Jeffrey Conner, Michigan State University professor of plant biology and past interim director of the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, has been honored with an Outstanding Faculty Award by MSU’s College of Natural Science. He was one of four exceptional NatSci faculty members to receive a 2021 award.

College of Natural Science Dean Phil Duxbury said of this year’s cohort of award recipients, “Their leadership and hard work make NatSci a better place, and it is an honor to recognize their efforts and to be inspired by their commitment to excellence.”

Jeffrey Conner

Conner came to MSU in 1996 as an assistant professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology and a resident faculty member at KBS. He served the Station as interim director from 2018 to 2020.

“What I love about this well-deserved award for Jeff is that it highlights yet another aspect of his overall excellence as a faculty scholar,” said KBS Director Fredric Janzen. “He has received prior formal recognition from MSU for outstanding mentoring of graduate students and, separately, for outstanding mentoring of junior faculty.”

“Jeff is a highly valued colleague, friend, instructor and mentor—not only at KBS but in the Department of Plant Biology, ” said Robin Buell, who initiated the award nomination. “His enthusiasm, wisdom and advice are sought out by students, staff, and faculty. His research is exceptional and has made major impacts in the field.

“It was my delight to nominate Jeff for this award and very excited for him to be recognized by MSU for all of his achievements.”

About the award

College of Natural Science Outstanding Faculty Awards are made each year to members of the regular faculty—tenure-system faculty and librarians in the continuing appointment system—for outstanding total service to the University. The nominations are based on a wide range of activities, including teaching, advising, research, publications, public service, and work with government agencies.

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