Message from the dean

Welcome to the first issue of Field Notes, the new digital magazine from the College of Natural Resources and Environment.

Looking back on my first year as dean, I feel grateful and hopeful about our college’s future. Talking with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners at Virginia Tech and beyond, I am always reminded of how much we all value curiosity, teamwork, new ideas, and service.

You show that spirit every day, whether you are teaching, mentoring, doing research, reaching out, or working together.

Over the years, CNRE has built a strong foundation in natural resources, environmental science, geospatial technologies, sustainability, and hands-on learning. This year, we built on that legacy and set the stage for even more growth and impact.

We strengthened CNRE’s operational foundation by making several strategic hires, including an assistant dean of finance, the first human resources division director, a Center for Geospatial Information Technology director of research and development, and a new Sustainable Biomaterials department head. These additions are advancing interdisciplinary work and enhancing support across the college.

We expanded donor engagement and strengthened partnerships with alumni, industry leaders, and university collaborators, increasing CNRE’s visibility and building momentum for investments in geospatial intelligence, environmental security, student success, and applied research.

This year, we spent a lot of time listening and planning for what’s next. We asked faculty, staff, students, alumni, stakeholders, and the Dean’s Advisory Council to help shape CNRE’s future through a college-wide visioning effort. Their ideas now guide our priorities for academic excellence, workforce readiness, research growth, and the student experience. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts.

We are making great progress through partnerships in environmental intelligence, geospatial technologies, and applied research. Working more closely with industry, federal agencies, and national security partners is opening up new chances for innovation and impact. For example, we are developing a new leadership model for CGIT research and development with the Virginia Tech National Security Institute in Arlington.

We are still focused on supporting our students and their futures. CNRE is committed to hands-on, field-based learning and helping students get ready for their careers. By building stronger ties with employers, alumni, and industry partners, we are giving students more chances to use what they learn in class to build meaningful careers and address real-world environmental and community challenges.

The future of CNRE looks bright because of the people who make this college exceptional. Looking ahead, we want to lead in innovative natural resources education and research and find solutions to environmental challenges by working together across disciplines, building partnerships, and giving students more learning opportunities. Together, we can build on our strengths and take on new chances to lead, work together, and serve.

Thank you for being part of our community and helping move the College of Natural Resources and Environment forward. I am excited for the years ahead as we work together to sustain academic excellence, share meaningful research, and prepare graduates to meet the changing landscape in natural resources and the environment.