Dr. Tom Mullikin, Director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, has received the state Supreme Court Chief Justice’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
The ceremony took place in Columbia October 23, 2025.
Mullikin was recognized for his leadership of the South Carolina Floodwater Commission and the SC7 Expedition — initiatives that help preserve and showcase South Carolina’s natural beauty.
In accepting the award, Director Mullikin said, “My gratitude is beyond description and beyond words.”
The prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the legal profession, the rule of law, and public service.
Dr. Tom Mullikin was unanimously confirmed by the SC Senate as Director of the Department of Natural Resources in February, 2025.
Press Release from SCDNR below:
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Director Dr. Tom Mullikin was presented with the South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the October 23 SCDNR Board meeting. The award was personally delivered by Chief Justice John W. Kittredge in a surprise presentation at the agency’s new headquarters in West Columbia.
The prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the legal profession, the rule of law, and public service.
“In making the Chief Justice’s Lifetime Achievement Award, I consider the individual’s contribution to the legal system and profession, to the rule of law, to the community, and to our state,” said Chief Justice Kittredge. “The person we honor today not only meets that rigorous criteria, he surpasses it. Dr. – General – Director Tom Mullikin is one of the finest people I have ever known.”
Chief Justice Kittredge commended Dr. Mullikin’s lifelong commitment to service, his leadership in environmental and conservation efforts, and his dedication to the people of South Carolina. He highlighted Mullikin’s leadership of the South Carolina Floodwater Commission and the SC7 Expedition—initiatives that unite partners across the state to address resilience and showcase South Carolina’s natural beauty from the mountains to the sea.
Kittredge also recognized Mullikin’s distinguished military service, his global environmental work, and his unwavering dedication to justice and public service.
“Tom Mullikin has a huge heart for justice, for equal treatment for all, for our natural resources, for his family, and for his fellow man,” said Chief Justice Kittredge. “That huge heart has been a unifying force in bringing people together. Our great state would not be what it is today without Tom Mullikin. He is a true South Carolina treasure.”
In his remarks, Director Mullikin expressed deep gratitude for the recognition.
“To say that this was an overwhelming honor is greatly understating it,” Mullikin said. “My gratitude is beyond description and beyond words.”
Following the presentation, Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter extended a special recognition letter congratulating Dr. Mullikin on both his recent appointment as SCDNR Director and his long record of service to South Carolina.
The event was attended by members of the SCDNR Board, staff, family, and friends who gathered to celebrate the honor.