Fellowship To Support Park and Recreation Professionals Pursuing Advanced Degrees

Posted on May 23, 2012 by

The NC State Natural Resources Foundation is pleased to announce the founding of the Susie Deazley Walston and Mac Walston Fellowship. The fellowship will support current professionals who wish to seek an advanced degree in the area of parks and recreation from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management(PRTM) at NC State University. The fellowship is the result of a generous gift by Susie and Mac Walston of Virginia Beach.

Susie Deazley Walston is a 1973 NC State graduate in Recreation Park Administration. Early in her career she saw the need for an advanced degree and earned a master’s degree at George Washington University in Public Administration. Susie retired in 2011 with 38 years of public service at the municipal level in such capacities as Parks and Recreation Director, Organizational Development Director and Deputy City Manager for Virginia Beach, Virginia. Though, not directly involved with Parks and Recreation in the later stages of her career, Susie remained active in the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society and continues to support NC State’s PRTM department who honored her with the PRTM Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2003.

Mac Walston started college at East Carolina University but dropped out to join the U. S. Marine Corps. He received a Presidential Unit Citation (Vietnam), Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V” and Purple Heart for his service. He founded and was Head Coach of the Tidewater Aquatic Club (US Swimming Association). His 25-year parks and recreation career was in Newport News, Virginia where he served as Golf Course Manager; Marina, Beaches & Pools Manager; and Recreation District Supervisor.

Susie and Mac met while working in Newport News and have been married for over 38 years. They believe parks and recreation is vital to a community’s quality of life.

About Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management at NC State
PRTM specializes in preparing planning and management professionals for the fields of parks, recreation, tourism, golf and recreational sports. One of three departments in the College of Natural Resources, PRTM teaches skills that are applicable across a wide range of environments and prepare our graduates to be the leaders in the next generation of park, recreation, tourism and sport professionals.

PRTM is a national leader in research and extension activities in the areas of Livable Communities and Healthy Living, Sustainable Tourism and Economic Development, and the Human Dimensions of Built and Natural Environments. The faculty, staff, and students are dedicated to finding real solutions to real problems and transferring that knowledge to help communities and people thrive.

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For more information, contact:
Tilla Fearn, Communication Director, (919) 513-4644

Endowment Provides Forestry Summer Camp Scholarship at NC State

Posted on May 23, 2012 by

The NC State Natural Resources Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of a new scholarship which will provide recipient(s) with scholarship funds to offset expenses incurred by attending the 9 week Forestry Summer Camp required of all forest management majors in the NC State Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources.

On August 29, 1986, John M. Sherrill made a commitment to support forestry and the study of forestry at NC State University by naming the NC State Natural Resources Foundation, Inc. (formerly NC Forestry Foundation, INC) as irrevocable beneficiary of two life insurance policies. Prior to his death in 2011, Jack designated his funds to help students attending summer camp and established the John M. “Jack” Sherrill Summer Camp Scholarship in Forestry.

Mr. Sherrill was a longtime supporter and advocate for forestry and forestry education in North Carolina. Having attended summer camp himself, Mr. Sherrill understood the hardships both financially and physically demanded by the rigorous 9 week program. However, he also understood the importance of this unique experience on the future of forestry and in the life of a professional forester.

The John M. “Jack” Sherrill Summer Camp Scholarship in Forestry will help NC State recruit and retain bright students who will enter the world of forestry and make a positive impact on future of our natural resources.

About the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources
NC State’s Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources (FER) is one of the oldest and largest schools of its kind in America. One of 3 departments in the College of Natural Resources, FER is committed to promoting the science, policy and practice of modern forestry, as well as, state-of-the-art environmental resource management.

Distinguished by a long history of innovation, an exceptional faculty, outstanding learning facilities, a commitment to research and extension plus an ability to educate students in all sectors of forestry and environmental science, FER is proud to have graduated many of today’s most prominent forestry and environmental policy makers, researchers, scientists, executives, field experts and academic leaders.

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For more information, contact:
Tilla Fearn, Communication Director, (919) 513-4644

Is Hemlock History Repeating Itself?

Posted on May 21, 2012 by

Scientists trying to save eastern hemlock trees from widespread insect attacks may have uncovered a case of déjà vu, dating back millennia.

“Our hypothesis is that 7,000 to 8,000 years ago, insects hammered the eastern hemlock in a similar way to how it’s being hammered now,” says Kevin Potter, NC State forestry professor and lead researcher on a paper published in Conservation Genetics. “We think we may see a genetic signature of an ancient and widespread insect epidemic.”

The modern threat to the hemlock is real and close to home. Learn more about what Dr. Potter and his team are doing about it. Read the full article in The Abstract.

Reception to Honor Dean Brown

Posted on May 11, 2012 by

Please join the College of Natural Resources at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum on June 19, 2012 from 4-6pm for a retirement reception honoring Dean Robert (Bob) Brown’s service to NC State University where he has been dean of the CNR since 2006.

Dr. Brown and his wife, Regan, will remain in the Raleigh area after retirement. Together they recently established the Bob and Regan Brown Endowed Scholarship in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology to provide support for incoming freshman. The first recipient will enter the program at NC State in Fall 2012.

Come and wish him well in his retirement. All are welcome.
DETAILS & RSVP

Information on the Dean Search is available at http://go.ncsu.edu/cnrdean

CNR Dean Candidate Interviews Scheduled

Posted on May 11, 2012 by

On-campus interviews for three Dean of the College of Natural Resources candidates will begin next week.

Open Forums to which the entire NC State community is invited are set for:

Thursday, May 17, 2:00-3:30 pm
Janaki R.R. Alavalapati

Monday, May 21, 2:00-3:30 pm
Mary Catherine Watzin

Wednesday, May 23, 2:00-3:30 pm
Stephen S. Kelley

All forums will be located in the Jordan Hall Addition, Room 1216. Candidates will each make a brief presentation and a question and answer session will follow.

The candidates’ resumes and complete interview schedules are available at http://www.ncsu.edu/human_resources/ESS/CNR-Dean/index.php