DSU HPER Assistant Professor Dr. Todd Davis (left) and MDWFP Vice-Chairman Scott Coopwood.CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Assistant Professor and Director of Outdoor Recreation Dr. Todd Davis was recognized with an Outstanding Sportsman Award by the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks during their monthly meeting January 25 in Cleveland.
Davis said, “It is always an honor to be recognized for your work, especially by your state and your colleagues. Mississippi isn’t always known for our outdoor recreation and adventure spaces and places, but there are pockets of pristine wilderness and unique places to explore outside of hunting and fishing.”
The mission of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is to conserve and enhance Mississippi’s wildlife, fisheries, and parks, provide quality outdoor recreation, and engage the public in natural resource conservation. The MDWFP is charged by state statute to conserve, develop, and protect Mississippi’s natural resources and provide continuing outdoor recreation opportunities.
MDWFP Vice-Chairman Scott Coopwood presented the awards. He said, “Todd is a great asset to not only Delta State, but the entire region. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that without Todd, many young people would have never been introduced to our great outdoors.”
Unlike many state agencies, approximately 90% of MDWFP’s annual budget is derived from user-generated funds rather than state tax funds. Primary funding sources include hunting and fishing license sales, permit and registration fees, and federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment.
Davis said, “I’ve tried to make it a mission to locate, preserve, and use Delta places for active-based leisure settings, not only for myself, but for my students at DSU. It’s an honor to work at DSU and a privilege to hold the Dave Heflin Professorship for Outdoor Recreation. I appreciate being recognized and hope the Heflin/Ockerbloom family is happy with the work we’ve done.”
For more information about the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation department at Delta State University, visit their website at www.deltastate.edu/education-and-human-sciences/health-physical-education-recreation/.
