Dean's Perspective

We enjoyed a successful commencement in May, graduating one of our largest classes ever — almost 250 students. Students and families filled Burruss auditorium, making it an impressive ceremony. We are on track to have an entering freshman and transfer class of about 225 for fall 2019, keeping pace with our planned growth to 1,250 undergraduates.

Our college is known for experiential learning, and this issue of CNRE News is filled with examples of students and faculty getting hands-on and getting their boots on the ground! From installing weather stations on mountaintops to hosting the national Packaging Jamboree, a lot of learning happens outside the traditional classroom. It’s also where students learn the problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, data application, and communication skills that employers are looking for. I’m confident that through traditional classroom learning and the wide range of experiences we have in the forests, fields, lakes, streams, mountaintops, and labs, our students are learning and preparing for success.

Our new director of employer relations is on board now, providing a critical link between our employer partners, students, and faculty. Through this position, we intend to gain a better understanding of employers’ needs and link the pipeline of talent from the early stages of recruiting students all the way to successful employment upon graduation.

Thank you for your continued interest in and support of the college. Natural resources and human resources are needed to solve the big challenges that lie ahead — and we’ll be supplying the leaders with the skills and the passion to make an impact.

Paul M. Winistorfer
Dean