Skaggs

Dr. R. Wayne Skaggs, an NC State wetlands specialist, is the first NC State faculty member since 1980 to win the annual International Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture. Skaggs — a Williams Neal Reynolds Professor and Distinguished University Professor of biological and agricultural engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences — received the award April 25 from Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of

One of the world’s premier agricultural engineering professors, Skaggs is a recognized expert on wetlands hydrology and management, as well as agricultural drainage systems.

For his continuing work, he also has received N.C. State’s highest award, the Alexander Quarles Holladay Medal for Excellence; the University of North Carolina’s highest honor, the O. Max Gardner Award; and the Alexander von Humboldt Award.

At the same event, Gamma Sigma Delta inducted three distinguished members into its alumni/honorary membership category: U.S. Rep. David Price; N.C. Sen. Charles Albertson; and Lu-Ann Coe, North Carolina Agribusiness Council executive vice-president.

The society also presented awards to 33 top freshmen and 11 outstanding sophomores; 18 J. Fulton Lutz Senior Academic Achievement Awards to seniors and 14 Senior Scholarship Awards. The society initiated 21 undergraduates, 35 graduate students, two faculty and three alumni.