Director of government affairs has over two decades of service with “The Habitat Organization"
Last weekend, longtime Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever employee Jim Inglis was honored by his alma mater, Mississippi State University. Inglis was one of eight former students inducted into the 2023 Alumni Fellows program and was recognized during MSU’s home football game against the University of Alabama.
“The Alumni Association is proud to bring outstanding alumni from each of the university’s eight academic colleges back to campus to share their experience and wisdom with our students,” said Jeff Davis, MSU Alumni Association executive director. “Since the fellows program began in 1989, nearly 300 alumni have participated. Each and every year, the class of fellows, their accomplishments and the impact they have on our students is truly remarkable.”
After earning his undergraduate degree at the College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University, Inglis continued his education at MSU, where he earned a master’s degree in wildlife management. It was at MSU that professor Dr. George Hurst, known for his iconic wild turkey research, influenced Inglis’s academic trajectory. He later collaborated closely with the current College of Forest Resources Dean Dr. L. Wes Burger, acquiring insights into Farm Bill conservation programs and private lands management for wildlife.
Now a 22-year veteran of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, Inglis has served the organization in countless capacities — from chapter volunteer to the organization’s first farm bill biologist coordinator — to his current role as the director of government affairs.
“Jim’s career path shows just how dedicated he is to conservation,” said Ron Leathers, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s chief conservation officer. “He’s been involved in our habitat mission at every level and continues to be a tremendous voice for the organization. His impact, not only on Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, but on habitat conservation in general, is profound. Jim deserves this recognition and much more for his decades of service.”
Inglis and the other honorees visited the MSU campus for three days last week, reconnecting with the university and providing insight to current students. They were then brought on the field during the halftime break of MSU’s game against Alabama on Saturday night, where each was recognized individually for their accomplishments.
“I’m so very honored, and my cup is full after being recognized as an alumni fellow at a university that meant so much to me and impacted my professional and personal life in such a profound way,” Inglis said. “The highlight of the week for me was spending time with students and discussing the future of wildlife, natural resources and potential careers. Rest assured; the future is bright with the next generation of these outstanding students.”
Beyond his professional commitments, Inglis enjoys life in Ohio with his wife, Miranda, their two sons, Nash and Kade, and the family’s bird dogs. He remains an active Pheasants Forever chapter volunteer, assisting local farmers and landowners with implementing conservation practices, hosting youth events and sharing his love for hunting and conservation.