Museum Director Wins SEMC 2024 Outstanding Service Award

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is proud to announce that Angel Rohnke, Director of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, received the Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC) “2024 Outstanding Service to the Museum Profession Award” at the organization’s conference in Baton Rouge today. Winners were chosen from nominees from across the southeastern United States. The SEMC Awards Committee honors outstanding colleagues who have helped shape the world of museums.

“Angel’s dedication and leadership have made a profound impact on the museum and our visitors," said Lynn Posey, MDWFP Executive Director. "This award is a testament to her commitment to advancing the museum’s mission and her tireless efforts to enhance the visitor experience. We are incredibly proud of her achievements."

Initiated in 1999, this award recognizes a leader with 10 or more years of service to an allied or affiliated professional organization. Such a leader will have assisted the museum profession in areas including program organization and long-term cultural development. “I am deeply honored to receive the SEMC Outstanding Service Award and to be recognized among such dedicated professionals," said Angel Rohnke, Director of MDWFP’s Museum of Natural Science. "This award reflects the hard work and passion of our entire team at the museum, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that values education, conservation, and connecting people with the outdoors."

Rohnke has served as Museum Director since July 2024 and has worked for MDWFP and the Museum for 19+ years.  She is a dynamic force at MDWFP and her extensive expertise in conservation, education, tourism, and leadership have contributed to the growth of the museum and LeFleur’s Bluff State Park.