George Crozier

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George Crozier, a native of New Orleans graduated from Loyola University and received his Ph.D. in Marine Biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 1966. After teaching at the University of Southern Mississippi, he moved to the University of Alabama (Birmingham). He was instrumental in creating the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium (MESC)which successfully competed in acquiring an excess Air Force radar station which became the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL).

As the Executive Director of DISL, he established an undergraduate and graduate program that served the statewide consortium. He also created a field trip program that served elementary and high schools from all 65 counties in the state. This emanated from the DISL’s Discovery Hall Program that became a focal point for student and teacher training and has become one of the national leaders in primary and secondary education in marine science.

The resident faculty has become recognized at the regional and national level and attracted millions of dollars in external funding. Through his efforts, both the Mississippi – Alabama Sea Grant program and the Mobile Bay National Estuary program were brought under the umbrella of DISL. Both national programs were natural adjuncts because of their research, educational, and outreach programs. 

During his tenure he has received recognition from Alabama Science Teachers Association - “1991 Friend of Science”, Alabama Wildlife Federation - “1993 Conservation Educator of the Year”, Legacy Award - 1994, recognizing “BAYWATCH”, citizens’ water quality monitoring program, NOAA Awards for Excellence in Coastal and Ocean Management -1999-2000 Walter B. Jones Coastal Steward, Alabama Academy of Science - Wright A. Gardner Award (2000), Corps of Engineers Environmental Advisory Board - 2003-2008 (chair 2007-2008), Alabama Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources, Coastal Section & NOAA – 2004– Coastal  Stewardship Award, Coastal Living Magazine's Environmental Education Award – 2004, Mobile United – 2007 Alfred F. Delchamps Award Lifetime Achievement.

Dr. Crozier remains active in Mobile through membership on the Mobile County Remembrance project as well as the county’s paddling trail planning, and the Advisory Board of the Africatown Heritage Preservation Foundation. He is married (57 years) to Dr. Deanna Crozier (retired ER physician), has three children, 7 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.