CANTON − Kristen Beck, an adjunct professor in Malone University’s Department of Natural Sciences, has received the Cardinal Award from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The award, created in 1966, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to protecting Ohio’s natural resources. Beck is one of 193 who have received the award.
She received the award from Gov. Mike DeWine during the Ohio State Fair.
Beck has been rehabilitating native wildlife since the early 1990s. In 2011, she established North Canton’s Clover Field Wildlife Center and operates it herself without the assistance of other staff.
She also has been instrumental in conservation efforts around the state by rehabilitating species such as the gray fox and bats. In 2022, her donation-based rehab center admitted almost 900 injured, orphaned or ill animals.
“I have never met a more dedicated, skilled and caring wildlife professional,” said Jason Courter, associate professor of biology at Malone and chair of the Department of Natural Sciences. “Kristen works tirelessly to provide professional and compassionate care for animals and has mentored, educated, and inspired countless students, colleagues, and community members. She is truly deserving of this award and we are so fortunate to have her at Malone.”
Beck started at Malone as the director of Live Animal Collections in 2013, and began teaching on campus in 2014. She was the recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award for Adjunct Teaching in 2020.
She has been an active member of the Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association board since 2001, serving as a board member from 2010-22 and as president from 2016-22.
She was also instrumental in launching Malone’s wildlife rehabilitation minor in 2021, which is one of the only programs of its kind in the country.
“As an Ohio Division of Wildlife-licensed wildlife rehabilitator, I believe that aiding the part of God’s creation that is totally helpless without intervention from compassionate human beings is one of the tasks I am called to do,” Beck said. “I strive to be both a spiritual and practical example of what it looks like to live with this calling: sharing my skills and my deep desire to reveal a beautiful part of God’s creation to people who are missing it.”