Authored by: Aubrey Pawlikowski The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources is proud to recognize three graduates whose achievements, leadership, and service reflect the very best of the Warnell community. Since 1993, the Distinguished Alumnus Award has honored graduates for their exceptional commitment to the school, their profession, and their community. The Distinguished Young Alumnus Award, created in 1999, celebrates graduates who have achieved early career success, hold positions of responsibility, and actively support the Warnell School. Distinguished Alumnus Award Brian Murphy (MS ’93) Brian is a wildlife biologist who has made a significant impact in the field of deer conservation and management. His diverse and distinguished career in natural resources includes roles at a university, state wildlife agency, non-profit conservation organization, two hunting industry companies, and even starting his own land and wildlife consulting business. During his tenure as CEO of the Quality Deer Management Association, he facilitated widespread adoption of Quality Deer Management practices. Brian served on Warnell’s Alumni Steering Committee, is currently serving on the Dean’s Advisory Board, mentors students, and has assisted with multiple faculty searches. Distinguished Young Alumnus Award Jackie Sherry (BSFR ’11, MNR ’14) Jackie leads water conservation and education efforts for Athens-Clarke County as coordinator for the Water Conservation Office. Her background is in environmental education, program management, and wildlife. In 2022 Jackie received the Georgia Association of Water Professionals Jack C. Dozier Emerging Leader Award. She has served on Warnell’s Young Alumni Committee and is involved with Athens-Clarke County Friends of the Library and Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful. Joe Vaughn (BSFR ’16) Joe helps landowners and investors unlock the value of forest assets through carbon markets and ecosystem services. His career has spanned wildland firefighting, timber procurement, and sustainability strategy, with a focus on bridging traditional forestry and emerging environmental markets. Joe was recognized in UGA 2025 40 Under 40, has served on Warnell’s Young Alumni Committee, and is currently on UGA’s Black Alumni Leadership Council. View past recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Distinguished Young Alumnus Award.
Brian Murphy (MS ’93) Brian is a wildlife biologist who has made a significant impact in the field of deer conservation and management. His diverse and distinguished career in natural resources includes roles at a university, state wildlife agency, non-profit conservation organization, two hunting industry companies, and even starting his own land and wildlife consulting business. During his tenure as CEO of the Quality Deer Management Association, he facilitated widespread adoption of Quality Deer Management practices. Brian served on Warnell’s Alumni Steering Committee, is currently serving on the Dean’s Advisory Board, mentors students, and has assisted with multiple faculty searches.
Jackie Sherry (BSFR ’11, MNR ’14) Jackie leads water conservation and education efforts for Athens-Clarke County as coordinator for the Water Conservation Office. Her background is in environmental education, program management, and wildlife. In 2022 Jackie received the Georgia Association of Water Professionals Jack C. Dozier Emerging Leader Award. She has served on Warnell’s Young Alumni Committee and is involved with Athens-Clarke County Friends of the Library and Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful.
Joe Vaughn (BSFR ’16) Joe helps landowners and investors unlock the value of forest assets through carbon markets and ecosystem services. His career has spanned wildland firefighting, timber procurement, and sustainability strategy, with a focus on bridging traditional forestry and emerging environmental markets. Joe was recognized in UGA 2025 40 Under 40, has served on Warnell’s Young Alumni Committee, and is currently on UGA’s Black Alumni Leadership Council. View past recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Distinguished Young Alumnus Award.
