The Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) hosted its annual Advisory Council Meeting on March 19 and 20 in Auburn, Ala.
Emmett F. Thompson Dean of the CFWE Janaki Alavalapati speaks at the Advisory Council banquet.
Immediately preceding the executive committee meeting held at the Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Building on March 19, a banquet was held for members, faculty and staff at Crooked Oaks, the farm and homestead of Pat Dye, legendary Auburn football coach.
The next morning the Advisory Council Meeting officially began with breakfast and introductions by Council Chairman Alexander McCall, and remarks from Auburn University Provost and Senior Vice President Vini Nathan as well as the CFWE’s Emmett F. Thompson Dean Janaki Alavalapati.
Following the remarks, David Hinson, associate dean of research in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (ADAC), provided an overview of the newly established Mass Timber Collaborative, a multidisciplinary partnership between Auburn’s CFWE, ADAC and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering to advance mass timber research, teaching and outreach within the southeastern U.S.
CFWE undergraduates discuss with Advisory Council members.
After lunch with faculty, staff and graduate students, council members had the opportunity to interact with undergraduate students from various majors within the college. These engagements took place during multiple breakout sessions, allowing for meaningful discussions and insights to be exchanged. The feedback gathered during these sessions was carefully synthesized by the council and subsequently presented as recommendations for the college’s leadership.
“Dialogue with the students was a priority for the council during this meeting,” said Alavalapati.
“This collaborative process ensures that the voices and perspectives of all stakeholders, including undergraduate students, are heard and considered in shaping the future direction of the college.”
The 2024 CFWE Advisory Council poses for a group photo outside of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Building.
Upon the conclusion of the Council’s business meeting, Alexander McCall, executive vice president of Larson & McGowin LLC and president of Larson & McGowin Properties was recognized for his service as Advisory Council chair. Richard Hall, president of Buckhead Resources and CFWE adjunct professor, was recognized as incoming chair. Nick Wiley, chief operating officer of Ducks Unlimited was named chair elect.
