The NC State Natural Resources Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Summerville Family Forest Research Fund Endowment. Kenneth (K.O.) and Pat Summerville established the endowment in January, 2013.
The research fund was established to provide funding for undergraduate and graduate students and/or professors associated with the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources in the College of Natural Resources at NC State University to research the less studied minor native tree species of North Carolina.
Endowment Signing Day (L to R) Foundation President Brenda Brickhouse, Pat Summerville, K.O. Summerville ’59, College of Natural Resources Dean Mary Watzin)
K.O. is a native of Mecklenburg County, NC and Pat is a native of Iredell County, NC. Upon graduating from NC State University, School of Forest Resources in 1959 with a B.S. degree in Forest Management, K.O. spent much of his professional career with the NC Division of Forest Resources assisting with the development and management of seed orchards in all three geographic regions. He also conducted research in improving nursery tree seedling production. K. O. retired from the division in 1998 with 34 years of services.
Pat retired in 1998 from NC Legislative Services. She had also been employed with the National Guard after attending Meredith College. They have two children living in the Triangle area.
In retirement, K. O. has continued his interest in forest activity by participating in The American Chestnut Foundation breeding program to restore chestnut to our forest. He enjoys making furniture from native tree species. The Summervilles believe this endowment will provide opportunity and encouragement for others to explore the less studied native tree species of North Carolina for use in urban sites (parks, greenways, street habitats for scenic beauty and wildlife food).
About the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources
The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University is one of the oldest and largest schools of its kind in the US. The Department is committed to promoting the science and practice of modern forestry as well as state-of-the-art environmental resource management. It has graduated many prominent forestry and environmental policy makers, researchers, scientists, executives, field experts and academic leaders. It collaborates with other departments in the College of Natural Resources, other NC State colleges, and outside entities in research extension and academia.