In the spring of 2003, Dr. Frances C. James retired after 26 years on the faculty of the Department of Biological Science at FSU. During her career, Fran has made landmark contributions to research in several fields, has served in leadership positions in prominent scientific societies, and has received numerous recognitions for her accomplishments. Closer to home, she has been a generous and inspiring colleague and teacher, a valued friend, and the best canoe paddler we know.

Fran's early work on habitat-related ecomorphology in birds led to both a more sophisticated interpretation of the mechanistic basis of Bergman's Rule and the development of new methods for the statistical analysis of size and shape. Her skillful analysis of breeding bird survey data refuted the generalization that populations of Neotropical migrants of the eastern North American forest were in decline. By making comparisons among species experiencing different habitat and climatic conditions, Fran was able to demonstrate that although some populations were declining, a similar number showed trends of increasing population size over the same time period. More recently, Fran has turned her attention to the use of quantitative data on the effects of habitat on reproduction to inform strategies for conservation of endangered species. Her recent work on the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers suggests the key to recovery is forest management at a large spatial and temporal scale. She has proposed a novel harvest plan to allow both healthy habitats and substantial timber operations.

Fran's excellent scholarship and high standards for its application have put her in demand for leadership positions in the scientific community. She served as the president of the American Ornithological Union from 1984-1986 (the first women to hold this post). She was also president of the American Institute of Biological Sciences in 1997. She currently serves on the Board of Governors of the Nature Conservancy.

Fran's substantial contributions to advancing knowledge in a variety of fields have led to numerous honors and recognitions. Her recent awards include election as an Eminent Ecologist by the Ecological Society of America (1997), receipt of the 1999 Margaret Morse Nice Medal from the Wilson Ornithological Society, and induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2001.

Although she is retiring, we are delighted to hear that Fran is planning to stay in Tallahassee, and keep advising her students. So for now, when she's not busy accepting new awards, Fran might still be found cruising the back roads of the Apalachicola National Forrest, stopping to collect data on ground cover, measuring the diameters of pine trees, and enjoying a reward of fried okra from the Hoggly Woggly.