On June 18, 2008, St. Edward’s University and Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve conducted the first board meeting after formalizing their affiliation in April this year. The two organizations affiliated to create an interdisciplinary natural resource laboratory that will provide research and hands-on learning for all St. Edward’s academic schools. The new relationship affords both organizations the opportunity to expand the reach of their missions.

New Board of Directors:

John C. Abbott, Curator of Entomology - Texas Natural Science Center, Professor of Entomology and Biology — University of Texas at Austin

Charles Bicak, Dean, School of Natural Sciences — St. Edward’s University

Rhonda Cartwright, Vice President for Financial Affairs — St. Edward’s University

Sally Davenport, Deputy Director Coastal Management — Coastal Technology Corporation

Joe DeMedeiros, Director of Development for University Advancement — St. Edward’s University

Mischelle R. Diaz, Director of Communications — St. Edward’s University

Carol Dwyer, Director of Business Development — Austin Technology Council

Linda Edwards, Principle - Edwards on Business and
Program Manager — Computer Sciences Corporation

Allan Hook, Professor of Entomology — St. Edward's University

Flo Macklin, Founder — Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Robert Manzer, Vice President for Academic Affairs — St. Edward’s University          

Ed McHorse, Shareholder — Graves Dougherty Hearon Moody

Brenda Vallance, Dean, School of Behavioral and Social Sciences — St. Edward’s University  

Prior to the affiliation, the nonprofit organization that operated the Preserve was The Committee for Wild Basin Wilderness. Changes to the nonprofit include:

• Appointment of new board members by St. Edward’s
• St. Edward’s will provide management expertise, academic experience, recommendations on marketing, fundraising, operations and financial affairs.