Richard Cristan
Richard Cristan has been awarded the Regions Bank Endowed Professorship in Forest Operations. An associate professor of forest operations in the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) and Alabama Extension specialist in forest operations and timber harvesting, Cristan is recognized statewide and nationally for his expertise. Specializing in forest operations, forestry best management practices (BMPs), site preparation and forest management, Cristan provides education and training to forest landowners, loggers and foresters across Alabama and the country.
The Regions Bank Endowed Professorships represent a partnership between Regions Financial Corporation and Auburn to strengthen the future of Alabama’s forest industry through high-quality research and education in the CFWE. This professorship is granted in support of exceptional faculty and enhances the college’s programs in forest operations, utilization, management and economics.
“I am honored to be awarded the Regions Bank Endowed Professorship in Forest Operations,” said Cristan. “My Extension programming has been centered around the forest industry where I help facilitate the Alabama Professional Logging Manager (PLM) trainings along with hosting and presenting at continuing forestry education (CFE) workshops for Alabama Registered Foresters and loggers,” said Cristan.
Regions Financial Corporation invests in the community to support and advance education that prepares young people for future success. As a major owner and manager of forestland in Alabama, Regions has a vested interest in supporting long-term growth and innovation within the forestry sector. Its partnership with Auburn ensures continued development through robust research, industry collaboration and workforce training within the CFWE.
“In the future, I plan to keep expanding my impact within forest operations by building upon my existing area of emphasis with the forest industry and making sure our CFWE students have the knowledge and expertise they need in forest operations,” said Cristan.
Janaki Alavalapati, the CFWE Emmett F. Thompson Dean, shares his congratulations and support for Cristan’s selection.
“Dr. Cristan’s expertise in forest operations and his commitment to Extension education directly embodies the CFWE’s dedication to research, industry collaboration and workforce training,” said Alavalapati. “This endowed professorship recognizes his contributions to supporting Alabama’s forestry industry and strengthening the college’s academic programs.”
Cristan’s appointment is effective immediately and he looks forward to furthering the college’s commitment to faculty excellence and leading advancements in sustainable forest operations that support Alabama’s working forests and the state’s vital natural resource economy.
