UAM School of Forest Resources Receives 10-Year Continuing Accreditation From SAF (1/17/12)

            MONTICELLO, AR — The Society of American Foresters Committee on Accreditation has granted a 10-year accreditation, through 2021, to the School of Forest Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
            The accreditation was announced today by UAM Chancellor Jack Lassiter and Dr. Philip Tappe, dean of the School of Forest Resources.
            The accreditation applies to UAM’s bachelor of science degree program in forestry, a program first accredited by the SAF in 1984 and reaccredited in 2000.
            “This is wonderful news for the School of Forest Resources and for the institution as a whole,” said Lassiter. “National accreditation of any academic program is a reflection of the academic quality of the entire university. Dr. Tappe and his faculty are to be commended for their hard work in preparing the self-evaluation document and for their efforts in preparing for the site visit from the accreditation team. I speak for everyone in the UAM community when I say job well done.”
            UAM’s forestry program was reviewed by an SAF accrediting team during an on-campus visit last April. Tappe appeared before the SAF Accreditation Committee in November to answer questions as part of a final review of the program.
            Tappe praised the work of the forest resources faculty, whom he called “outstanding teachers who are truly committed to student success. Their classes are rigorous and they have high expectations for their students. They are well-respected scientists that are actively involved in research and outreach efforts that address important natural resource issues in the state, region and nation. The work of our faculty certainly played a significant role in reaccreditation.”
            Tappe also cited his predecessor as dean, Dr. Richard Kluender, for initiating the accreditation process.  “Dr. Kluender did much of the ground work,” said Tappe. “The institution and the School of Forest Resources certainly owes him a debt of gratitude for his efforts.”
            UAM offers the only forestry degree in Arkansas from a program that began in 1945. The School of Forest Resources currently offers the bachelor of science degree in forest resources with options in forestry and wildlife management, the bachelor of science degree in spatial information systems with options in surveying and geographic information systems, and the master of science degree in forest resources.
            The Society of American Foresters was founded in 1900 by Gifford Pinchot and serves as the national scientific and educational organization representing the forestry profession in the United States. The SAF is the largest professional society for foresters in the world. The mission of the Society of American Foresters is to advance the science, education, technology, and practice of forestry; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and, to use the knowledge, skills, and conservation ethic of the profession to ensure the continued health and use of forest ecosystems and the present and future availability of forest resources to benefit society.