Press @ DISL

Dr. George F. Crozier returns as Executive Director of
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab

October 29, 2008

At an open conference call of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Board of Directors this morning, Dr. George F. Crozier was appointed Executive Director of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, with a two-year minimal contract. The position of Executive Director was vacant due to the October 12th death of Dr. L. Scott Quackenbush, who had assumed the directorship in July 2008.

Dr. Crozier had retired from the Sea Lab in December 2007, after having served as Executive Director for 30 years.

“The Board of Directors of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is pleased that Dr. George Crozier once again is willing to lend his expertise and leadership to the Sea Lab,” stated University of South Alabama President and DISL Board Chair V. Gordon Moulton.

“He has a unique perspective on the mission of the Sea Lab as it relates to research and education associated with our vital marine resources.”

“We are delighted to have him back with us,” President Moulton said.

Dr. Crozier stated, “We are saddened by the loss of Dr. Scott Quackenbush; his family’s welfare is our priority right now.”

“This is not an opportunity I could have anticipated, or wanted,” he continued. “But I understand the need to keep the operations and programs of the Sea Lab moving forward as smoothly as possible.”

“The mission of the Lab in its role as educator and steward of our natural resources is crucial, and I feel honored by the Board to have been chosen to help increase our knowledge of our coast as we progress into the 21st century.”

Among the projects Dr. Crozier will helm is the Richard C. Shelby Center for Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management, the only National Marine Fisheries Service outfit in Alabama. The Center is scheduled to open in mid-2009.