With gratitude, humility, and pride, I share my first Re:Generations message. I have exciting news to share, as well as words of inspiration.
A change in perspective can alter the way you see familiar things. Out of necessity, faculty focus on research and teaching. A dean must step back to see the whole academic unit, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and facilities. During my first year as dean, I saw the wonderful role our College plays in the lives of students and stakeholders. I heard students say things like, "I really felt at home when I arrived in CFRES," and "The thing about CFRES is that the professors really care about the students." And, my favorite: "CFRES students are adventurous … and kind of nerdy."
CFRES is blessed with immensely talented, hardworking professors who teach, conduct research, and support the College, working on University committees and as leaders in professional societies. In more ways than one, faculty can always see the trees. For me, stepping back allowed me to see the whole forest more clearly. After two years as dean, I can say with confidence and enthusiasm that the College is strong, faculty morale is high, and the spirit of learning among our students is vibrant. Our alumni continue to advance in their careers, which have expanded in scope in response to our broadening profession and new undergraduate degree programs.
Forestry, the College's oldest degree, accounts for about one-third of students, with another third majoring in wildlife ecology and conservation and 20 percent in applied ecology and environmental science. Our newest bachelor's degree, environmental data science, began in fall 2024; you'll learn more about that, and cross-campus collaborations, in this issue. You'll also read about the many achievements of our faculty, staff, and students, along with new additions to our community.
This is a very exciting time of growth for CFRES. Our undergraduate enrollment has increased by over 40 percent in the last five years, faster than any college at Michigan Tech, and 16 percent more new students paid deposits for fall 2024 compared to fall 2023.
Young people come to CFRES because we train them to work at the forefront of their fields as skilled, resourceful, creative, and technically proficient natural resource professionals. Every graduate learns fundamental field skills, as well as the technological and analytical skills to understand ecosystems and apply that knowledge to management and conservation. Employers seek out our students because they value such diverse experiences and skills.
Let me say how proud I am to be a part of this community. Most of you have spent years stewarding the forests, wetlands, waters, and wildlife that sustain life in Michigan and beyond. Take a moment to reflect on your experiences and cherish your connection to the CFRES community. As you advance in your career and life, you are always a Husky—and your legacy includes the positive impacts you leave behind on the human and natural communities you are part of.
David Flaspohler
Dean and Professor, College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science
djflaspo@mtu.edu
Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
