Date: August 8, 2007

Rick Tinnin Honored by National Marine Educators Association

Dr. Rick Tinnin has been awarded the 2007 James Centorino Award from the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA).  This award is given for distinguished performance in marine education by an NMEA member who is a professional educator outside the formal classroom setting.

The award was presented with the following recognition:

"The 2007 James Centorino Award was presented to one of NMEA's most distinguished members, Dr. Rick Tinnin. Rick began working with the Marine Education service Program in 1974 with a Masters degree in marine biology from Texas A&I University at Kingsville. Rick began his education career in the early 1970s at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. He was hired initially to take over the task of conducting tours and field trips for visitors to Institute. The tours were a custom started by Howard T. Odum and passed down to all subsequent directors, not all of whom were thrilled with the weekend time commitment this required. Rick's first boss at the Institute, Dr. Patrick Parker, declares that When Rick sat in my office interviewing for the job, I had no idea that he would turn out to be the talented and successful leader that he has become. This was the best personnel decision I have ever made.

Rick pioneered the "floating classroom" concept on the Texas Coast decades ago. An average of 8.000 students per year participate in this first hand marine science experience. Sixty percent of the teachers who experience this program return with more students, some as many as 30 times. A number of the students who participated in the program are now marine science teachers themselves, and they acknowledge the impact of this first field experience on their future career choice. One of the letters of support for Rick's nomination for this award came from a participant in the first field trip Rick conducted for college students. Since that trip in 1975, this individual has become a science teacher and has led 48 groups of students on trips with Rick at the UT Marine Science Institute. This teacher can attest to the fact that Rick has a special gift for reaching young learners and inspiring a number of them to become marine scientists.

As Rick's friend and colleague John Dindo said, The rock jetties, marshes, bays, ocean and beach have been Rick's classroom. He has excited young children to senior citizens with his knowledge, insight, and passion for the coastlines and ocean. He is one of the great teachers and truly meets the philosophy of the James Centorino Award.

Rick has also been a major and active member of TEAMS, the Texas chapter of NMEA. Rick's dedication to serving NMEA is truly remarkable. Board members will recall the firm cautionary comments we receive from Rick when our dreams for NMEA get too big for the budget. Rick helped guide NMEA through some difficult waters in our past, he was one of the early proponent of long-range strategic planning. We are stronger because of his guidance, both then and now. With three decades of active service to marine education, Rick Tinnin is overdue for this award, and NMEA is proud to add him to the James Centorino honorees."

Congratulations Rick!