William T. Greer, Jr.

On my 10th birthday, my Dad proudly presented me with a 410 gauge, single-shot shotgun. I grew up in a little country town in South Georgia and found ample opportunity to use that shotgun. I still remember my first dove, rabbit and squirrel. For more than 50 years I have done some fishing and a lot of hunting. My pride and joy is my Winchester 101 over and under, 12-gauge shotgun. Most of my hunting during these 50 plus years has been quail hunting and a fair amount of duck hunting. Some of my best friendships have been formed in a duck blind or behind a bird dog. All three of my sons have grown up hunting, and I can think of no better way for a boy or girl to grow up.

As a college president, I often talk with students about hunting and I love sharing with them the stories of the adventure of hunting quail and ducks. I am fortunate now to own a farm on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. When we are not hunting, we are constantly working on feed plots and habitat for wildlife. I have always believed a true hunter was an environmentalist. Certainly, I have great concern for the environment. It is imperative that we not only preserve it, but enhance it so that our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy the pleasures of hunting and fishing.

I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries. Serving on the Board is one way I can express my appreciation for the outdoors and the gratitude I feel toward my Dad who gave me a gift of a 410 gauge shotgun when I was 10 years old.