Dean's Update – Special Edition June 2009

Posted on June 11, 2009 by kmfaber2

June 10 2009

Dear Friends and Alumni of the NC State University College of Natural Resources,

Negative publicity has surrounded NC State in recent weeks. While there is never a good time for this kind of notoriety, it could not have come at a worst time for our institution given the landmark budget challenges we face during these tough economic times.

NC State remains a strong, comprehensive university known for our leadership in education and research, and globally recognized for our science, technology, engineering and mathematics leadership. As one of the nation’s oldest land grant universities we have held both a front row seat and a place in the trenches helping businesses, communities, and individuals triumph over adversity – emerging leaner, stronger and more prepared than ever for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We intend to do the same.

We have no illusions; recovery will be difficult. The challenges are great and hard choices will have to be made. The work is already underway. We are pleased to welcome as our interim chancellor an individual of noted integrity who shares with each of you a love for NC State. Dr. Jim Woodward is chancellor emeritus of UNC-Charlotte, and an aeronautical and mechanical engineer who began his faculty career right here at NC State. More information about Dr. Jim Woodward is online at http://ncsu.edu/featured-stories/community-of-scholars/june-2009/chancellor-woodward/index.php. As dean, I look forward to working closely with Interim Chancellor Woodward and Interim Provost Warwick Arden to return the focus of the world to the accomplishments and contributions of NC State.

I want to personally assure you that all of us in the College of Natural Resources are committed to NC State’s mission of education, innovation and service. Our researchers continue to discover new knowledge with the potential to change lives; our students are challenged daily as they grow into an impressive cadre of tomorrow’s natural resource leaders; and our extension folks daily deliver knowledge and expertise to people, businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations who in turn use it to improve the health and sustainability of their communities.

Our alumni and friends have always played a major role in the success of our college. Your support continues to be vital and we ask that you continue to stand with us in the weeks and years ahead. Please take a moment to remember all the reasons you have to be proud of your association with NC State and the College of Natural Resources and please continue to give of your time, expertise and financial support to keep us strong.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about any development at NC State at 919.515.2883 or bob_brown@ncsu.edu. I invite you to visit our College News Blog online at http://blogs.lib.ncsu.edu/roller/cnrnews/ to learn about recent awards, discoveries, and accomplishments of the faculty, staff and students of the College of Natural Resources.

Sincerely,

Robert Brown, Dean

Sylvanet to Go Online

Posted on June 4, 2009 by kmfaber2

Sylvanet, a publication of the International Forestry Program in the College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, is taking on a new, internet-based format. The content of Sylvanet will now be compiled online as events happen at www.cnr.ncsu.edu/sylvanet. The traditional publication versions of Sylvanet will continue (as a downloadable pdf files) but Sylvanet will no longer be mailed as a paper copy. To be included on the Sylvanet email listserver for quarterly updates of the publications, email Kevin Bigsby (kmbigsby@ncsu.edu). Please stay tuned for our next publication in January, 2010. In the meantime please check out the new Sylvanet webpage.

Sylvanet banner

Congratulations Spring 2009 College of Natural Resources Graduates!

Posted on June 3, 2009 by kmfaber2

It was important to have your ticket for the College of Natural Resources Spring Commencement Ceremony this year, because it was packed. More than 1000 family members and friends clapped, cheered, and cried as the 2009 CNR graduates made their way across the stage at the McKimmon Center to receive their diplomas and heartfelt congratulations from the Dean, Department Heads, and faculty members. Earlier that day on May 9, they had all gathered in the RBC center for University Graduation Exercises. This year, those who will be graduating during the summer of 2009 were invited to walk with the May graduates.

The CNR Commencement Address was delivered by Dr. George Hess, 2009 Distinguished Undergraduate Professor. Additionally, one student representative from each department addressed their fellow graduates. Steven Tyler Pires, Summa Cum Laude, Environmental Technology, provided the address for the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources. Departmental receptions followed the graduation ceremony, giving the opportunity for professors to meet families, and friends to offer best wishes for the future.

• Read Dr. George Hess’s Commencement Address
• Read Steven Tyler Pires Address to Fellow Graduates

Read the list of 2009 Forestry and Environmental Resources Spring & Summer Graduates
See Photos from the Ceremony and FER Reception
By the numbers:
– NCSU – 4,294 degrees awarded
– CNR – 182 degrees awarded
– FER – 62 degrees awarded; 48 undergraduate degrees, 16 graduate degrees

CNR Community Embracing Health and Wellness

Posted on May 27, 2009 by kmfaber2

Living well is important for everyone and given upcoming changes to the State Health Plan's policies regarding weight loss, the College of Natural Resources is getting a jump on the SHP and offering our very own "Lucky 13 – Lucky U" Summer Shape U Program.

Summer Shape-U Program Flyer

Dean Brown encourages faculty, staff and graduate students in the college to get involved. Team challenges between departments and programs are HIGHLY encouraged!

Certificates will be awarded in September.

If you are interested in participating, contact Susan Colby at susan_colby@ncsu.edu with your name, department, program and phone number to register!

Hazel and Devine Recognized for Outstanding Extension Service

Posted on May 6, 2009 by kmfaber2

Dr. Dennis Hazel and Dr. Hugh Devine were named recipients of the 2009 Outstanding Extension Service Award. They were honored along with nineteen other recipients at the Celebrating an Engaged University Banquet held April 20th at the McKimmon Center. The award recognizes outstanding extension, engagement, and economic development activities by faculty and professional staff members of the university.

Hugh Devine

Dr. Devine, who was also nominated for the Alumni Outstanding Extension Award and will be inducted into the Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension, will be recognized at Honors Convocation and will receive a monetary award of $3,000. Dr. Devine is a Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management and an Associate Faculty member of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources.

Dr. Hazel, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, is part of the Extension Forestry team who recently won the NC Association of Cooperative Extension Specialist Education Award for Outstanding Subject Matter Program Developed by a Team. Dr. Hazel's leadership in the NC Woody Biomass project also led to the team winning the Southern Growth Policies Board 2009 Innovator Award earlier this year.

Dennis Hazel receives award for outstanding extension service

Above photo – from left: Barry Goldfarb,
Professor and Head, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources;
Robert Brown, Dean, College of Natural Resources; Dennis Hazel,
Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Department of Forestry
and Environmental Resources; James Zuiches, Vice Chancellor for
Extension, Engagement and Economic Development, during Extension Service Award Ceremony.

Congratulations to both Hugh and Dennis!