Jacksonville University honored Quinton White, retired professor and founding executive director of JU’s Marine Science Research Institute, by presenting him the 2024 Pioneer Award at a ceremony Oct. 24 in Terry Concert Hall.
Established in 2017, the award recognizes global leaders in marine science whose research inspires others and advances the field.
Past honorees include Robert Ballard, discoverer of the Titanic; physicist and oceanographer Helen Czerski; and Chris Fischer, founder of OCEARCH.
“I think it’s safe to say that this year might be the first year of the Pioneer Award that we really don’t need someone to introduce the awardee, because, if you live anywhere within a 300-mile radius of where we are sitting right now, you likely know who Quint White is and his remarkable career in marine science,” Marine Science Research Institute Executive Director Bryan Franks said in a news release.
“I’ve never really felt like a pioneer. I’ve always enjoyed what I’m doing. I’ve enjoyed the students, teaching and the challenge,” White said.
In addition, the Dr. A. Quinton White Marine Science Endowed Fellowship is established to support future marine science students at JU.
“This fellowship will continue the legacy that Quint established, having an impact and transforming students’ lives in marine science, providing opportunities for the next generation of marine scientists and environmental stewards for our planet,” Franks said.
Initiated by Mike and Susan Hand, the fellowship has more than $180,000 in funding with their contribution and the support of others.
“Dr. White has been a transformative figure for students of all ages, often providing them with their first - and sometimes most formative - experiences in marine science,” Mike Hand said.
White led the creation of the Marine Science Research Institute, a $10 million, 32,000-square-foot facility dedicated to biological and environmental research and education along the St. Johns River.
The MSRI serves as a hub of research, conservation and education and houses the offices of the St. Johns Riverkeeper and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
“Quint’s scholarship, his teamwork, his leadership and his camaraderie have set a culture for the university that goes all the way back to when he got here in 1976,” JU President Tim Cost said. “The idea that someone with his background would come here and do research and teach a vital field, and then go even further to create an institute - this was all on his own initiative.”
White served on the boards of several national and local organizations including The Museum of Science & History, the National Association of Marine Laboratories, the St. Johns Riverkeeper and The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
He officially retired in August and now is a professor emeritus. His legacy will continue to shape Jacksonville University and the Northeast Florida community for generations to come, the university said.