Jerry Schuman
University of Wyoming alumnus and College of Agriculture graduate and adjunct professor Jerry Schuman has been presented the Medallion Service Award from the UW Alumni Association.
The Medallion Service Award, initiated in 1968 but not given annually, recognizes outstanding service and dedication to the university. Schuman will ride in UW's Homecoming parade Saturday, Oct. 10, and will be recognized at the UW-University of New Mexico football game.
"I was totally flabbergasted when I got a registered letter," said Schuman, who was raised in Sheridan County and now lives in Cheyenne. "I couldn't figure out why I was getting a registered letter from the Alumni Association. It's a huge honor, and I'm a little surprised I received the award. Not that I don't do some things for the university, but there are a lot of people out there who do lots of things. I am very honored."
Schuman received a bachelor's degree in soil science in 1966 from the College of Agriculture and also received an Outstanding Alumni award from the college in 2000.
George Vance, Distinguished Professor of Energy and the Environment at UW, nominated Schuman for the award.
"Dr. Schuman's research has emphasized land reclamation and carbon sequestration as it relates to global climate change," noted Vance. "His career has dealt with numerous issues relating to environmental research and has greatly enhanced our understanding and ability to successfully reclaim mined lands and abandoned bentonite mine spoils in Wyoming and the world."
Born in Sheridan, Schuman attended school in Clearmont for 12 years. "There were five of us who graduated together, and we all went on to college," Schuman told the AlumNews publication.
Schuman received his master's in soil science from the University of Nevada-Reno and his Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska. He returned to Wyoming with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in 1975 and led a research program in mined land reclamation and soil and water conservation. Schuman was research leader and director of the High Plains Grasslands Research Station/Rangeland Resources Research Unit from 1976-1998. He worked for ARS until he retired in 2005.
As an adjunct professor in the UW Department of Renewable Resources, he has mentored more than 34 graduate students and written more than 175 scientific publications and has had numerous leadership positions.