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Forest, Environment and Wildlife Leadership (FEWL) Academy

Established in 2019, the FEWL Academy prepares select students with leadership abilities necessary for the critical
problem-solving of issues related to the management, utilization, and stewardship of natural resources.
As a personal development program, the FEWL Academy is co-instructed by
Dean Janaki Alavalapati and Dr. Adam Maggard, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.

The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment proudly introduces
the 2026 FEWL Academy:

 

Lillian Avis standing in a blue shirt smiling.

Lillian Avis
Wildlife Ecology & Management
Columbus, GA
Read Lillian’s Biography

James Butler standing in a blue suit jacket smiling.

James Butler
Wildlife Enterprise Management
Smiths Station, AL
Read James’ Biography

William 'Ketch' Daniel standing in a grey suit jacket smiling.

William “Ketch” Daniel
Parks & Recreation Management
Helena, AL
Read Ketch’s Biography

Will Ellis in a dark blue suit jacket standing and smiling.

Will Ellis
Environmental Conservation & Management
Birmingham, AL
Read Will’s Biography

Grayden Ketchum standing in a light brown suit jacket smiling.

Grayden Ketchum
Forestry
Auburn, AL
Read Grayden’s Biography

Matt Long standing standing in a dark suit jacket smiling.

Matt Long
Geospatial Information Science
Alabaster, AL
Read Matt’s Biography

Eli Mason standing in a dark suit jacket smiling.

Eli Mason
Wildlife Ecology & Management
Scottsboro, AL
Read Eli’s Biography

Hardy McMillan standing in a dark suit jacket smiling.

Hardy McMillan
Wildlife Enterprise Management
Marion, AL
Read Hardy’s Biography

Vienne O'Connor standing in a light blouse smiling.

Vienne O’Connor
Wildlife Ecology & Management
Birmingham, AL
Read Vienne’s Biography

Jonah Sanders standing in a dark blue suit jacket smiling.

Jonah Sanders
Forestry
Daphne, AL
Read Jonah’s Biography

Bella Suiter standing in a tan blouse smiling.

Bella Suiter
Environmental Conservation & Management
Geospatial Information Science
Jackson, TN
Read Bella’s Biography

Abby Tipton standing in a dark suit jacket smiling.

Abby Tipton
Wildlife Sciences Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Mobile, AL
Read Abby’s Biography

Dr. Janaki Alavalapati
Emmett F. Thompson Dean &
Professor, Forestry Economics,
Co-Instructor

Dr. Adam Maggard
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Harry E. Murphy Associate Professor,

Forest Systems Management,

Co-Instructor

How Does This Program Benefit Our Students?

In addition to classroom lectures, to aid in their experiential learning during the two-semester course, students will interface with a range of leadership and private industry executives, as well as policy makers in Montgomery and Washington, D.C.

Who Is Eligible?

Qualified students in good academic standing with an interest in developing leadership skills are invited to apply. Each year, 12 to 15 outstanding applicants will be selected to participate in the Leadership Academy.

How Is This Program Supported?

The 2019 program is sponsored by a private donation from Ed Sweeten ’79. However, the school’s long-term goal is to establish an endowment to fund this program. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact the CFWS Development Office at (334) 844-2791 or email sfwsdev@auburn.edu.

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