Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service Award

Joshua Granger

Joshua Granger, an assistant professor specializing in quantitative silviculture within the Department of Forestry at Mississippi State University, has been chosen by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi — the nation’s oldest and most selective all discipline honor society — as the 2024-2026 recipient of the Phi Kappa Phi Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service Award. Granger received the award for her outstanding dedication to service extending beyond academia.

Granger, originally from central Nebraska, obtained a bachelor’s degree in German and biology, as well as a master’s degree in biology, from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He furthered his education by earning a second master’s degree in statistics and a doctorate in natural resources from the University of Tennessee. As a lifelong learner, he is currently pursuing doctoral studies in higher education leadership at Mississippi State University.

Granger was recognized due to his remarkable contributions across various domains, including his invaluable service to his department within the College of Forest Resources, his impactful involvement at the university level, his dedication to the forestry profession, and his active engagement with professional societies.

Aside from the robust agenda of service projects he is involved with, Granger also conducts a vigorous research program resulting in 19 published refereed articles and 46 poster presentations resulting in eight awards. His initiatives have fostered collaboration between campus and local communities. Notably, Granger's commitment to students is exemplified through his leadership role as the Director of the Department of Forestry's Summer Field Program, where he coordinates and supervises this essential nine-week program, which is a mandatory requirement for all undergraduate forestry majors.

“It is an honor to receive the 2024 Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service Award. It has been a privilege to serve my Phi Kappa Phi chapter, Mississippi State University, and the broader public as a whole,” said Gragner. “To be honored for performing activities that I truly just love doing is an absolute privilege.”