Sullivan named interim department head

Jay Sullivan, professor of forestry economics and management, has been named interim head of the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation. “As a senior faculty member, Dr. Sullivan brings a wide knowledge of the department into this role,” said Dean Paul Winistorfer. “He was the principal author of the recent 10-year site visit accreditation report for the department and has a servant leadership commitment that will serve us well in the interim.”

Sullivan came to Virginia Tech in 1988, strengthening the department’s specialization in forest resource management and economics. His research activities encompass Virginia’s most compelling natural resources issues, including bioenergy, southern pine beetle treatment, mined lands, and sustainable carbon management.

Sullivan intends to continue to build on the strong foundation established by his predecessor, Janaki Alavalapati, who is now dean of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Science at Auburn University. “During this interim period, I hope to guide us in continuing to serve our students, the commonwealth, and clientele through our strong leadership role in matters of forestry and the environment,” he said.

The college will launch an international search for its next department head in early fall. “The department is considered one of the leading academic forestry programs in the world, and identifying talent to lead us into the future is very important,” Winistorfer said.