Auburn University’s Forests, Environment and Wildlife Leadership (FEWL) Academy recently acquired firsthand experience in governmental affairs and leadership during its annual visit to Washington, D.C. Comprised of select students expressing leadership abilities in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE), the group represented Auburn while engaging with natural resource leaders, organizations and agencies during the three-day trip.
The FEWL Academy was established in 2019 with the goal of preparing and developing undergraduate students for future careers in problem-solving and policymaking as it relates to the stewardship and utilization of natural resources. The program, which has proven to be of tremendous value to students, is led by CFWE’s Emmett F. Thompson Dean Janaki Alavalapati and Alabama Extension Specialist and the Harry E. Murphy Associate Professor Adam Maggard.
“The academy provides students with experiential learning opportunities to enhance their personal development and leadership abilities,” Maggard said. “During visits to Montgomery and Washington, D.C., each cohort interfaces with government officials, CEOs and policymakers to observe diverse perspectives and leadership styles, and to become more aware of the complexity and wide range of issues impacting natural resources and how we manage them.”
For the 2024 academic year, there are 12 members of the FEWL Academy hailing from Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Texas, representing seven undergraduate majors in the CFWE. The academy’s members are Sam Crowe, Cailey Smith, Kendall Anderson, Mary Ashlee Hughes, Thomas Davis, Connor Cox, John Strauss, GiGi Sharp, Jack Kennedy, Emily Legg, Morgan Kelly and Marley Acosta-Lee.
CFWE in the capital city
On day one of the academy’s trip to D.C., the students took a journey through American history at the Capitol to learn about leaders that had shaped the foundation of the United States’ values and policy. Led by Tyler Zidlicky, legislative correspondent from the Office of Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis (Florida), the students discovered that leadership is important within a wide variety of roles and can be cultivated at any phase of one’s career.
“Our tour guide stood out as a leader because of her professionalism, patience and humility throughout the duration of the tour,” said Thomas Davis. “A twenty-four-year-old, not much older than most in our group, she still held herself with posture and confidence and made our tour very enjoyable. It was inspiring for us to see leadership of this kind from a person who was not so far removed from where we stand today.”
The second day included a visit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) led by OMB representatives Drew Bailey and Katy Berrey. The duo shared how the agency is responsible for gathering and executing budget data, providing oversight of OMB performance, reviewing federal regulations and policies and executing the president’s orders.
“They are constantly having to live in the past, present and future since it takes two years to finalize each of their fiscal year budgets,” said Marley Acosta Lee. “In addition to this, with each fiscal year the OMB decides if a new budget should be administered for federal agencies. If something is performing poorly, the OMB can cut budget allocation or give more if a program has proved to be successful. The OMB is a unique government office since it has to work with every agency within the government that is receiving federal funding.”
From oceans to forests
The next stop on day two was highlighting the U.S. Department of State, specifically the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES). FEWL Academy members said this was one of the favorite stops because of the facility’s unique architecture and variety of personnel. Comprised of eight separate offices focusing on unique levels of the environment, OES intrigued many of the CFWE’s undergraduates after hearing from Bureau representatives Trevor Hampton and Whitney Wiedman.
“OES was described as covering ‘issues that reach from the vastness of space to the depths of the oceans,’ which is a pretty large margin,” said Marley Acosta-Lee. “But during this meeting most of the topics discussed were all things that each of us had likely heard about during our classes at the CFWE. Items such as the Lacey Act and CITES were discussed and it was interesting to hear insider information about things we have presented on and talked about during lectures.”
On the final day in Washington, the group met with employees of the U.S. Forest Service to learn more about the agency’s leadership standards and recruitment processes. During this discussion, Tina J. Terrell, senior executive for national recruitment, shared valuable insights that the students were able to take home with them.
“We discussed how leadership is about understanding people, understanding connectivity, dealing with systems of life, realizing that people will always remember how you treated them, working with others and putting your ego in check,” said Cailey Smith. “We discussed the importance of having a mentor throughout your career and how they should push you out of your comfort zone.”
Additionally, Terrell shared what qualities she looks for when hiring employees. Some of those traits that Terrell felt were critical for success included, problem solving, conflict resolution, communication skills and resilience. Following the discussion, the students took time for self-reflection as a comparative study of their own skills and behaviors.
Never too far from home
The last day of the trip concluded with two more visits: the Auburn University Office of Federal Relations (OFR) and the Office of Senator Katie Britt (Alabama). Headed by Auburn alumnus Andrew Newton, director of federal relations, the OFR is responsible for advocating policy that will, in turn, assist researchers in securing federal grants on Auburn’s campus. FEWL members enjoyed hearing from Newton and an esteemed guest, Auburn’s 21st president, Christopher B. Roberts.
“It was interesting to hear about all the intricacies of obtaining a research grant for the university as well as all the politics that go into providing for Auburn’s financial needs,” said Jack Kennedy.
During the visit to the OFR, the group met with Roberts and multiple trustees. During their meeting, Roberts emphasized the importance of leadership skills, and how the students’ involvement with the FEWL Academy will help them in the future.
“President Roberts mentioned how fortunate CFWE students are for the dedication of the dean and the staff to our education and personal skills,” said Kennedy.
John Henry Woods, legislative correspondent for Sen. Britt rounded out the day with a lesson about his experiences working in the Senate. Their talk explained the dynamics of workplace roles and knowing boundaries so that working environments are healthy and prosperous. The Auburn group enjoyed hearing from Britt’s office, providing a fresh perspective of modern leadership.
FEWL Academy leaves lasting impacts
Legg, a senior majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Management, says that she chose to get involved in the academy because of her drive to understand how leadership is possible through herself and her community.
“I knew the opportunity would teach me qualities, characteristics and ‘how-to’s’ of becoming a great leader within my field of study and as a person in the world,” Legg said. “I wanted to know how it all connected and gain a greater sense of awareness about workplace dynamics. I feel that the FEWL Academy has helped me grow in far more ways than one.”
Legg adds that she believes other CFWE students should consider getting involved with the academy to further their professional lives.
“The experience is more than learning about leadership but developing yourself and reaching out to those that might look up to someone like you,” Legg said.
For Maggard, the gratitude of assisting in the leadership of the FEWL Academy is what makes this venture special.
“With every FEWL cohort, there are new experiences to be had and potential to unleash,” said Maggard. “Dean Alavalapati and I are honored to be able to help shape the next generation of natural resource leaders.”
CFWE students who are in good academic standing are encouraged to apply to the FEWL Academy. The college accepts 12 to 15 new members each year to participate in this prestigious opportunity. For more information about the academy and its members, visit the FEWL Academy webpage.
If you are interested in supporting the FEWL Academy, contact CFWE Development Director Heather Crozier at vannhea@auburn.edu.