The Biology department at the University of Vermont has something big to celebrate. Dr. Nicholas “Nick” Gotelli — a name that’s long been synonymous with innovation, rigor, and mentorship in the world of ecology — has been named a University Distinguished Professor¹, the highest academic honor the university bestows. It’s a title reserved for those whose contributions shape disciplines, inspire generations, and leave an indelible mark on both their fields and their institutions. In Nick’s case, the distinction feels almost inevitable. 

For more than three decades, Dr. Gotelli has been a cornerstone of UVM’s scholarly community. His career reads like a masterclass in how to balance groundbreaking research with dedicated teaching and leadership. With over 230 publications, five textbooks, and more than 58,000 citations to his name, Nick is not just a scientist — he’s a force in modern ecology. 

Trailblazing Work That Changed the Field: Nick’s influence on community ecology is both deep and wide. Early in his career, he helped pioneer the use of null models—statistical approaches that allow ecologists to detect non-random patterns in nature. His landmark book, Null Models in Ecology, and his widely used software tools like EcoSimR, forever changed how researchers test ecological hypotheses. As Anne Magurran, renowned Professor at the University of St. Andrews, puts it: “When I ask my students to run null models, I send them to Nick’s work first.” 

His collaborations are equally legendary. Whether partnering with Robert Colwell, Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Connecticut, to redefine how we estimate species richness, or co-authoring a sweeping monograph on pitcher plant ecosystems with Harvard’s Aaron Ellison, Nick has continually expanded the boundaries of ecological inquiry. His ability to bridge theoretical models with real-world systems — from ant communities to freshwater ecosystems — has set a standard in the field. 

A Teacher Who Makes Complexity Accessible: Nick’s greatness isn’t just confined to the pages of scientific journals. Step into one of his classrooms and you’ll find students both challenged and inspired. He’s known for teaching rigorous, thoughtfully crafted courses like Ecology and Evolution and Computational Biology, classes that students still talk about long after graduation. In recognition of his exceptional teaching, Nick received the Kroepsch-Maurice Award for Teaching Excellence² in 2018, a testament to the impact he’s had on generations of students. Colleagues fondly remember co-teaching with him, often marveling at his gift for making difficult concepts not just accessible, but genuinely fun. One recalled evenings after lectures filled with music, laughter, and the kind of camaraderie that makes academia feel alive.

A Mentor and Colleague Who Elevates Everyone Around Him: Beyond the classroom and lab, Nick has helped shape UVM into a more vibrant, dynamic academic community. He has held leadership roles within the Biology graduate program for more than a decade, as well as guided countless students and mentored early-career faculty, always with a generous spirit and an open door. Colleagues across the field remark on his willingness to involve junior folks in meaningful projects, his gift for explaining complex ideas with clarity and patience, and his instinct for empowering others to grow, lead, and thrive. 

Nick’s students speak warmly about the kind of mentor he is, and the difference he’s made in their grad school journeys. Carlos Amissah shares, “Nick has a great personality and a hands-off mentorship style in the best way. He’s always around when you need him, values that every student is different, and figures out what works best for each of us. I’d choose him as my advisor again in a heartbeat.” George Ni adds, “Nick’s always happy to make time for his students and keep us curious about ecology. No matter how random my questions, our conversations leave me with a clearer understanding, and usually even better questions to ask.” Gwen Ellis agrees: “Nick’s mentoring has made me more confident as a grad student and a scientist. He offers thoughtful advice during our coffee chats while letting me find my own way. I’m so lucky to have him as my advisor—he truly deserves this recognition.” 

A Well-Earned Honor: This appointment as University Distinguished Professor is a fitting recognition of a career spent not only advancing science but also uplifting a community. It acknowledges Nick’s rare combination of intellectual rigor, collaborative spirit, and dedication to teaching. Over the years, Nick has received numerous accolades that paved the way for this honor, reflecting both the depth and breadth of his contributions. These include being named a Fulbright Fellow in 1993, University of Vermont Dean’s Lecturer in 1997, University Scholar in 2005, and Elected Member of the Vermont Academy of Sciences & Engineering in 2013. In 2018, he was awarded the George H. Perkins Professorship of Zoology, followed by his election as a Fellow of the Ecological Society of America in 2020. Together, these honors chart a trajectory of excellence, leadership, and service to both the scientific community and the university. 

To those who know him, the award comes as no surprise. As Robert D. Holt, Eminent Scholar in Biology and Arthur R. Marshall, Jr., Chair in Ecological Studies at the University of Florida, said, “I can think of no other ecologist who demonstrates as effectively the palette of approaches and accomplishments shown by Professor Gotelli.” 

The Biology department is proud to call Dr. Nick Gotelli one of its own—a scholar, a mentor, a trailblazer, and now, a Distinguished Professor. 

Congratulations, Nick! You’ve more than earned it.