Student Life
Business and Government
General
Science and Technology
Education
Education
General
Science and Technology
MSU alum named Wildlife Manager of the Year in Oklahoma
Marcus Thibodeau grew up in Lawton, Oklahoma, with a deep passion for the outdoors. Being so near Wichita Falls, he had heard about MSU and ultimately chose to attend college here because of the personal size of the school and the homey atmosphere.
At MSU, his love for the outdoors and guidance from his advisor enabled him to examine all the possibilities for pursuing his education, finally landing him in the sciences. Thibodeau received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology/Animal Biology in 2014, and his Master of Science degree (Zoology/Animal Biology) at MSU Texas in 2016. While in Graduate school, he was awarded the 2016 Celebration of Scholarship, Outstanding Podium Presentation Award, and the President’s Award for his master’s thesis. He has continued to win awards in his professional field as the Senior Biologist for Southwest Oklahoma’s branch of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
“After learning about different degree options and career paths with my advisor, Dr. Roy Vogtsberger, it opened my eyes to all of the opportunities that were available,” Thibodeau said.
Thibodeau explained that MSU prepared him for his career field because the classes were small enough that he got one-on-one assistance from professors who were passionate about the field of science. He believes that committing serious effort to class work and regular communication with professors is what contributed to his success – and any student’s—in school.
Through the passion of those around him, he was encouraged to participate in several opportunities that furthered his love and understanding of science. These opportunities included research trips to the Dalquest Desert Research Station and birding with Dr. Margaret Brown Marsden around Sikes Lake.
“Each professor would make sure what they were teaching was applicable to the path you were wanting to take,” Thibodeau said.
After Thibodeau graduated from MSU, he secured a position as a Wildlife Biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. He said this position laid the groundwork for where he is today. He serves as the Senior Biologist for Southwest Oklahoma’s branch of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and is also the Co-Turkey program Coordinator for the state. It was for this position that he won the Joe Kurz Wildlife Manager of the Year Award from the National Wild Turkey Federation.
“I'm very excited about winning the award, not just the personal recognition, but to highlight the amazing work we have been able to do for turkey conservation in the state of Oklahoma,” Thibodeau said. “This is the most rewarding job in the world for people who love the outdoors; I get to see people make those outdoor memories.”
He said the job keeps him on his toes, and that’s what he enjoys about the field he chose. He described his field of work as a “living, ever-changing type of hands-on science.” Thibodeau explained that because of advances in technology and research, the way they manage wildlife is constantly changing, and always will be. He explained that no two days are the same, as some days he focuses on meetings, while other times hands-on duties like prescribed burns require his time.
Thibodeau appreciates that the job allows him to share his passion with others, just as others convey their passion with him at MSU. In his field, he’s able to witness people falling in love with the outdoors through his presentations or guided outdoor activities – a feeling he remembers well and feels privileged to carry on.
Related Posts
Education
Business and Government
Student Life
General
Science and Technology
President's Medal for Excellence announced
Student Life
Arts and Humanities
General
Business and Government
Education
Science and Technology
Fall 2025 Graduation
Culture and Society
Science and Technology
Student Life
General