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Megdal's long-term research interest is Arizona's artificial recharge program.

By University Communications
February 29, 2008

Sharon Megdal, director of The University of Arizona’s Water Resources Research Center, has been named the first recipient of the new C.W. and Modene Neely Endowed Professorship for Excellence in Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The endowed professorship honors the late C.W. Buck Neely, a prominent cotton farmer and rancher in Gilbert, Ariz., and his wife, Modene. A gift from the charitable foundation created in their names enables the UA College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to recruit or retain a distinguished scholar to further critical research, teaching and extension in areas relating to water.

According to the gift agreement, the college's dean will award the professorship to recognize an outstanding faculty member who focuses on water and related fields of study.

Megdal uniquely fits the description. She holds appointments in the departments of agricultural and resource economics and soil, water and environmental science, and is director of the Water Sustainability Program, in addition to serving as director of the UA’s Water Resources Research Center.

“Megdal has been a leading force and advocate in the area of water policy for many years in Arizona,” said Colin Kaltenbach, the college's dean and director of the Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station. “The appointment as an endowed professor will allow Megdal to further her many contributions to the overall water program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.”

Megdal’s work at the WRRC involves her in local, state, national and international programs, and includes academic, research and extension activities.

Her long-term research interest is Arizona’s artificial recharge program. As part of her academic activities, she teaches a graduate course in Arizona water policy, part of the new Graduate Certificate in Water Policy program. As teacher and adviser, she has demonstrated her commitment to university students.

“Student research assistance is critical to my work,” Megdal said, “but more importantly, the work they do is critical to their development as researchers and professionals. My teaching, applied research and extension programs are highly integrated. It is my hope that the work will contribute to better understanding of water policy and will be a key factor shaping our future.”