Clemson professor receives state-wide award for environmental education

Jim Frederick, Clemson University professor and agricultural scientist, recently received the 2023 South Carolina Environmental Educator of the Year Award from the Environmental Educators Association of South Carolina (EEASC).

The award was presented during the association’s annual meeting in St. Helena Island. It recognizes an individual’s exemplary contributions to environmental education based on innovation, accomplishments, community impact and collaboration. EEASC is the leading organization for environmental educators in South Carolina representing teachers in grades K-12 teachers, university educators, as well as private businesses and organizations from across the state.

South Carolina House Representative Robert Williams nominated Frederick, who has been at Clemson for 34 years, for the award because of his efforts to advocate for environmental awareness and the conservation of the state’s natural resources.

 “Dr. Frederick has developed innovative environmental programs for farmers, landowners, homeowners and youth throughout his career,” Williams said. “He has impacted so many people in a positive way. His service to those in underserved communities is especially appreciated”.

Frederick is a professor in the Clemson University Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, where he serves as the state’s agricultural science curriculum specialist. Recently, he developed and implemented hands-on research projects for middle-school students centered on new science teaching standards using agriculture, natural resources and health and nutrition sciences as the teaching tools. These research projects for students are unique to South Carolina. His more than 30 years of research experience in environmental sustainability has helped him integrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) into these projects while making them fun and rewarding experiences for students.

“The EEASC is very pleased to present this award to Dr. Frederick in recognition of his youth and community education programs on the environment,” said Jane Hiller, EEASC South Carolina Green Step Schools coordinator. “His educational programs have given students the opportunity to experience agriculture and natural resources for the first time as a part of the real world around them. We also want to recognize Dr. Frederick for his many years of research on the sustainability of producing bioenergy and agronomic crops in South Carolina and discovering more environmentally friendly ways to grow these plants.”

Frederick said he was honored to have received the award.

 “I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with so many dedicated and experienced professionals and community members during my career,” Frederick said. “The educational programs we implemented have led to the improvement of society’s attitudes and actions toward the environment, resulting in the betterment of the state’s natural resources.”

In addition to this award, Frederick also received the South Carolina 2022 Environmental Awareness Award given by the South Carolina General Assembly in recognition of his outstanding efforts for environmental conservation.

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