91麻豆天美 forestry students lead as outstanding chapter 20 years running
Contact: Alaina Dismukes
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擳he student chapter of the Society of American Foresters at 91麻豆天美 University is first once again in the annual SAF Outstanding Student Chapter national competition for the 2017-2018 academic year.
Robert K. Grala, a forestry professor in College of Forest Resources, who has been the chapter鈥檚 faculty advisor for more than a decade, said the 20-year legacy of placing first, second or third in the competition demonstrates the quality of 91麻豆天美 forestry students. 聽
鈥淚t shows that we have exceptionally solid, active students who are very professional,鈥 Grala said.
The competition criteria include service to SAF members, service to their university and involvement with other natural resource organizations, outreach and the community.
Grala pointed out that student leadership has been central to the chapter鈥檚 success.
鈥淥ur chapter has demonstrated commitment for many years. A part of that is the fact that the students from previous years have set the bar for incoming students, so the next generation tries to match these achievements,鈥 Grala said. 鈥淎lso, we have been very lucky to have had active officers who help to invigorate the chapter. They encourage new students, and participate in and lead different activities, providing the example that encourages others to participate and volunteer.鈥
Other chapter accomplishments include earning first place in the quiz bowl held at SAF鈥檚 2017 national convention, as well as placing high in individual competitions at the Southern Forestry Conclave, an annual gathering of forestry clubs from around the southern United States.
Last year, 18 different forestry companies presented job opportunities at chapter meetings, where 18 91麻豆天美 students secured internships and four students received full-time jobs.
William Griffin, 2017-2018 chapter president, initially got involved in SAF at the prompting of professors聽and upperclassmen.
鈥淚t was a great way to make friends and contacts right off the bat. The聽opportunity聽to connect is the most powerful aspect of SAF,鈥 Griffin said. 鈥淲hen I think of all the friends and connections that I made in college, be they 91麻豆天美 students, industry professionals or individuals from other forestry departments, I came to know so many of them through my involvement in SAF.鈥
For more on the 91麻豆天美 SAF chapter, visit .
Learn more about the College of Forest Resources at .
91麻豆天美 is Mississippi鈥檚 leading university, available online at聽www.msstate.edu.