Dean KellyWelcome to the Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources website. People and programs in the College of Natural Resources are among the best in the nation and we are working to make them even better. The College is noted for its student friendly atmosphere and commitment to excellence. We offer a variety of strong programs in the natural resources that cover the spectrum from utilization through preservation. The science base that supports our approaches to natural resource management ranges from very basic to highly applied. As do our interests in economics and the human dimensions of natural resource policy and management. Seventy-one faculty members provide depth across these disciplines, as well as collaboration with several federal agencies and industrial cooperatives. The stature of our faculty is well recognized as evidenced by awards for innovative approaches to teaching, individual publication records, journal editorships, text books authored, national and international recognitions from professional societies and associations, and positions of responsibility held in regional, national, and international societies and organizations. Faculty take their roles as teachers and mentors seriously and use their experiences to provide students the best possible educational and practical experiences. Over the past 35 years more than 3000 graduates have gone on to have successful careers and attain prominent leadership roles in all aspects of natural resources including business and government.

During the next five years we will be working steadily to increase our presence in the Virginia Tech research community. This invigorated commitment to research will have positive impacts all around. First, it will allow us to increase and diversify further our faculty ranks, as well as increase our ability to attract exceptional faculty members to our College. Second, new research programs strengthen our teaching and outreach programs and create more opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to participate in both basic and applied research and gain valuable employment experience in the process. Our faculty and programs reach out beyond the walls of our college to the broader university and the world to add further strength to our efforts and enhance our abilities and resulting impacts.

A new and exciting era is beginning as the College of Natural Resources continues its upward trajectory. We will continue our commitment to a relevant, vibrant, and innovative teaching program. We will explore new areas of research while strengthening existing ones. And finally, we will look for new and innovative ways to communicate the results of our research to public and private organizations, industries and businesses, and the citizens of Virginia. We plan to make this website an important avenue of communication with you and we look forward to providing insights into our accomplishments in the weeks and months ahead. Please join us for the ride as our new adventure begins.

- Dean J. Michael Kelly