John Hosner, named professor emeritus of forestry in 1992, has been recognized with the additional tribute of “honorary founding dean” of the College of Natural Resources and Environment by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

Hosner, who at age 91 still comes to his office in Cheatham Hall almost every day, played a significant role in the establishment of the college, which today commands a worldwide reputation of excellence in responding to society’s emerging needs for a sustainable planet.

“We needed to recognize John with this title as he sacrificed much to set the foundation to create the college at Virginia Tech,” said Dean Paul Winistorfer. “He was a visionary, and we thank him.”

In his three decades of leadership from 1961 to 1992, Hosner’s focus on excellence propelled the college into the national spotlight among peer programs. Today, two of the top 10 research departments at Virginia Tech reside in the college, which has been named the country’s top program in natural resources and conservation for the second year in a row.

Read the full press release.

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