Dana Stone

Dana Stone has enjoyed a prosperous and rewarding career in forestry stemming from her experiences at the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE). From a metropolitan background to a forestry lifestyle, Stone is a testimony to career success gained through discovery, unyielding work ethic and robust experiential learning. After more than three decades since her graduation, she reflects on her passions, responsibilities and accomplishments.

Stone was raised in an urban area that provided limited opportunities to experience the intrinsic value of natural resources; that is until a breakthrough moment in her career exploration that intrigued her and fit her math-and-science-focused skillset.

“My senior year at Spelman College, I wanted to have a career that was meaningful to me,” said Stone. “I love math and science, but I did not have an idea how to apply this academic area into a career. When I was reading about the Peace Corp and environmental science, I noticed specific information about forestry. I thought this would be a great career for me.”

Finding new family at the CFWE

Taking a career leap, Stone departed for Auburn in 1991 to pursue a Master of Forestry degree. Stone recalls her first experiences with forestry after attending Summer Practicum at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center (SDFEC) located in Andalusia, Alabama, an academic requirement at the time for graduate students pursuing a Master of Forestry who did not hold an undergraduate degree in a similar program.

“The college quickly exposed me to forestry,” Stone said. “My first classes were at the SDFEC when I attended the summer practicum session. The classes at the center combined academic work with practical applications to make sure students learn forestry. The experience was a ‘surge’ in me learning and preparing for a career in this field.”

Stone experienced the family culture of the CFWE  for the first time while taking a wildlife sciences class on Auburn’s main campus. A non-forestry-track student noticed that Stone was having difficulty in the class, so she shared her test preparation and studying methods. Because of the fellow student’s selfless assistance, Stone was able to land a high grade on the exam and increase her overall grade point average. To this day, she cannot recall the name of the student, nor did she see the student again, but Stone always remembers her generosity and kindness.

Her love for forestry grew while progressing through her academics at the CFWE. It grew so much that she decided to focus her master’s degree on forestry biometrics. She states that the forestry curriculum was challenging, but it was by design. Each class enticed students to work hard to achieve positive results.

“Everything that I was exposed to at Auburn prepared me for my future and my career,” said Stone. “In order to achieve and improve as a person or as a professional, I had to embrace my experiences, understand their value and proceed forward with my endeavors.”

Stone’s impeccable role of service

Today, Stone serves the citizens of Alabama as the director of the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) Forest Management Division. In this role, she supervises and manages employees who assist stakeholders with sustainable forest management practices. Stone ensures the division maintains program quality standards and meets grant application and report deadlines. She also represents the AFC with partner agencies and organizations such as Auburn University, the U.S. Forest Service, Southern Group of State Foresters, the Alabama Forestry Association and the State Board of Registration for Foresters.

Prior to her promotion to Forest Management Division director, Stone also served the AFC as Forest Health Program coordinator. This job entailed many hours of fieldwork and studying forest insects, pests and diseases across the state. This is where Stone discovered helping others would become one of the most rewarding parts of her career.

“Every day is different with responsibilities that can range from using geographic information system (GIS) technology or reviewing grant budgets to talking with landowners or examining forest stands,” Stone said. “However, what I really enjoy the most is assisting landowners in reaching their forest management goals. When landowners are implementing sustainable practices and can showcase their land as an example of responsible stewardship, I understand the importance of my job.”

Stone reinforces the necessity for foresters in Alabama because of the industry’s lucrative nature and contribution to the state’s economy. Underscored by the fact that approximately 90% of forestland in the state is privately owned, Stone is confident the field will continue to have a vital role within the state.

Encouragement for future generations

For the next generations of CFWE students, Stone has a bit of advice. She encourages each student to understand their self-worth, maintain their confidence and not be too hard on themselves if disappointment strikes. Beyond achieving excellence in the classroom, Stone encourages students to perfect “soft” or “intangible” skills such as respect, professionalism and kindness that will yield innumerable benefits for themselves and others.

For those who would benefit from the career development opportunities experienced by Stone, she leaves current and prospective CFWE students with a reassuring sentiment.

“If you have the opportunity to attend the CFWE, take full advantage of it because this means you were meant to be there,” she said. “Work hard, study a lot and learn immensely. These qualities will ultimately help you succeed.”