By: Allison Terres
Contributing Writer
Philip Langlais, Professor of Psychology at Old Dominion University, has recently been appointed as President of the Board of Directors for Wetlands Watch.
Langlais arrived in Hampton Roads in 2003 as Old Dominion’s new Dean of Graduate Studies. The same year, he accepted an invitation by Dr. Jay Taylor, Co-Founder of Wetlands Watch, to join the organization.
Wetlands Watch, based in Hampton Roads, is currently the only grassroots organization in Virginia working specifically to preserve the mid-Atlantic wetlands.
Founded in 1999, Wetlands Watch participates in local and statewide policy making issues that concern the mid-Atlantic wetlands. The organization works to improve the dialogue between Virginia residents and lawmakers on topics that affect the Eastern Shore, such as sea-level rise. Members travel from Richmond to Washington to advocate wetlands-friendly policies. The organization is also committed to community outreach and wetlands awareness programs.
“We find ourselves reaching out to educators and students in the community because that is where the heart and soul in this organization lies,” Langlais said.
Langlais was previously set to become the President of the Board of Directors, but could not accept the position until recently, due to his relinquishing of other demanding administrative duties.
He has held a number of elevated positions within the administrative field of psychology and at ODU, including vice provost, a position on the Board of Directors for the Council of Graduate Schools, a founding member of the Virginia Council of Graduate Schools, and part of a Steering Committee sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science among other national and international accomplishments.
“I want to devote time and energy to other major areas I am passionate about,” Langlais said, “the wetlands are something I am very passionate about.”
Wetlands Watch nominates a new president to the Board of Directors at the end of each year, nominating the psychology professor this year due to his vast administrative leadership skills. He will lead a qualified Board of Directors, composed of graduate students, professors and a clinical psychologist. Langlais’ duties as president of the Board of Directors will include oversight of Wetlands Watch contracts and policy advocacy.
This year, he will help the Board of Directors refocus on a clear set of governance policies after recent massive growth. Wetlands Watch has accumulated hundreds of members, and secures hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants, contracts and support.
“We cannot be a mom and pop organization anymore,” he said of the organization’s humble beginnings in the backyard of a concerned Hampton Roads citizen. “There is a lot to be done here, we might expand, but right now we want to make sure that we stay focused,” the new president said.
Photo from adamwhelchel.com
