NEWS
By
Alexander Mann
alexander-mann@ou.edu
Date
NORMAN, OKLA – The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is proud to announce that Director Emeritus Michael A. Mares has been welcomed into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s newest class.
Mares, a distinguished evolutionary biologist and trailblazer in establishing the Sam Noble Museum, was honored during a ceremony on May 15 recognizing his lifelong contributions to science, education and the preservation of natural and cultural history in Oklahoma and beyond.
A world-renowned expert on desert ecosystems and desert rodent evolution, Mares has discovered numerous species new to science, conducting field research across the deserts of Argentina, Iran, Egypt, India, Namibia, South Africa, Brazil and the United States.
He is the author or editor of 13 books, two screenplays and more than 225 scientific publications. His academic merits have been recognized by universities, scientific organizations, government agencies and state legislatures.
Beyond his scientific discoveries, Mares played a pivotal role in establishing the Sam Noble Museum as one of the world’s leading university-based natural history museums and as the state of Oklahoma’s officially designated natural history museum. Under his leadership, the museum opened its doors in 2000 after he spearheaded a fundraising campaign that secured more than $45 million for its construction.
Since its opening, the museum has welcomed over 3 million visitors, serving as a regional epicenter for education, research and preservation efforts. In 2014 the Sam Noble Museum was awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, and on May 1 of this year the museum celebrated the 25th anniversary of its grand opening to the public.
“We are very excited to see Dr. Mares recognized with this incredible honor,” said Janet Braun, the Sam Noble Museum’s current director. “His dedication to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Oklahoma has impacted the lives of millions of people, and ensured that the objects in our care are preserved for future generations to study and appreciate. The Sam Noble Museum is Michael’s legacy and gift to past, current and future generations.”
Mares joins an esteemed group of Oklahomans honored for their contributions to the state. His inclusion in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s class of 2025 underscores his commitment to the education and development of citizens, scholars and scientists throughout Oklahoma and across the world.
The Class of 2025 will be officially inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame on Nov. 13 at the Arvest Convention Center in Tulsa.
For additional photo or video assets, or to schedule an interview with museum leadership, please contact the Sam Noble Museum public relations department at (405) 325-0598 or at pr.samnoblemuseum@ou.edu.
About the Sam Noble Museum
The Sam Noble Museum is the officially designated natural history museum for the state of Oklahoma and is located on the University of Oklahoma Norman campus at 2401 Chautauqua Ave.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
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