Guy McPherson, a multi-talented graduate of Texas Tech University's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, has been selected as the latest recipient of the Jazz for Peace Honorary Ambassador Award.

Jazz for Peace is an American professional jazz organization with the goal of promoting unity and peace across cultures through the performance of music. The group also seeks to increase arts and music education in schools.

The ambassador award honor was presented to McPherson, a professor emeritus of conservation biology at the University of Arizona where he taught and conducted research for two decades, in a special ceremony earlier this month (Oct. 11) in Saratoga Springs, New York. McPherson received his master's degree (1984) and doctorate (1987) in range science from Texas Tech University.

McPherson is one of the world's leading authorities on abrupt climate change leading to near-term human extinction. His scholarly work has produced more than a dozen books and more than 100 articles, as well as being featured in television, radio programs and several documentary films.

His research interests broadly include climate adaptation and sustainability; conservation biology; ecology management and restoration of rangelands; fire ecology; global change management; and population and community ecology. Previous honors for McPherson include the Mid-Career Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Idaho's College of Natural Resources (2005), and the University of Arizona Honors College Faculty of the Year (2009).

CONTACT: Tracee Murph, Coordinator of Alumni Relations, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-7337or tracee.murph@ttu.edu

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