Rick Relyea, director of the Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands and Aquatic Systems, has been honored with the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award from Texas Tech University’s Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

A 1992 Texas Tech alumnus in Range & Wildlife Science, Relyea was recognized for his outstanding contributions to wildlife management and aquatic ecology. At Mizzou, he also serves as the William J. Rucker Professor in Fisheries and Wildlife in the School of Natural Resources. His research has secured more than $10 million in grants, and he has authored more than 200 scientific publications, presented internationally and influenced ecological education through 15 widely used textbooks reaching more than 2 million students. Relyea is also a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

“The foundation I built at Texas Tech has been instrumental in my career,” Relyea said. “It continues to inform the work we do here at Mizzou to protect our aquatic ecosystems.”

The award was presented by Davis College Dean Clint Krehbiel (at right in above photo) and Department Chair Richard Stevens (at left) during a ceremony in Lubbock April 13. The 2026 Distinguished Alumni & Outstanding Young Alumni Awards honored graduates who’ve made significant contributions to society, and whose accomplishments and careers have brought distinction to the college and to the professions associated with agriculture, landscapes and natural resources.