Skip to main content
Auburn University interlocking AU logo

75th anniversary graphic

alumni enjoy fellowship during the homecoming barbeque The Spears and Lowe family enjoys food and fellowship during an alumni homecoming barbeque hosted at the School. alumni socialize during Dean's tailgate Alumni Joe Roberson and Mark and Diane Bond with daughter Mary Carson socialize during the 2017 Dean's Tailgate. Students in Brazil Forestry study abroad trip to Brazil. student awardees 2020 Student Ambassadors family gathered during alumni barbecue 2017 Alumni Homecoming Barbeque students handling reptiles at dixon center Wildlife Summer Practicum Dean Alavalapati meets with young alumni society Compass Circle Young Alumni Giving Society members meet with Dean Alavalapati during the group's first Dean's Roundtable. graduate students outside sfws building after graduation New alumni celebrate at 2017 Fall Graduation Juarez with a Society for Natural Resources member, Dr. Barlow, and Dr. Kush. First annual Society of Natural Resources Chili Cookoff forestry students at conclave Forestry Conclave alumni shown with dean alavalapati and wife renuka Shown pictured during the Dean's Tailgate are from left to right, Sara Heatherly, Michael Heatherly, Dean and Renuka Alavalapati, and Mr. and Mrs. Gee Allgood. Michael Ramirez and Sarah Wilson become engaged at the SFWS "Michael Ramirez and I got engaged behind the SFWS building on August 1, 2020. We met at Auburn in 2016 while we were both working on our master's degrees- Michael in Forestry, myself in Wildlife. We spent a lot of our time in that building and have a lot of special memories there. It was the perfect, beautiful, place for us to start our future together!"

- Sarah Wilson '18 SFWS Students on study abroad trip to Chile SFWS students prepare for a horseback trek in the Andes Mountains during a 2008 study abroad trip to Chile.

- Richard Hall '95
Dean Janaki Alavalapati

Dr. Janaki R.R. Alavalapati, Dean

School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences
Auburn University
3301 Forestry and Wildlife Building
602 Duncan Drive
Auburn, Alabama 36849-3418

Phone: 334-844-1004
Email: ajanaki@auburn.edu

Dear Auburn Family,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University!

Thank you for visiting our website in observance of this important anniversary. We hope you’ll enjoy learning about the history of Auburn’s forestry and wildlife sciences programs within the interactive timeline and photo archive of the School’s significant milestones and achievements.

As you’ll discover, forestry first became a stand-alone program in what was then known as the School of Agriculture in 1946. Since that time, Auburn has produced thousands of well-qualified graduates, provided citizens with science-based solutions to improve their quality of life and developed solutions to some of society’s most complex natural resource challenges.

In honor of this occasion, the School has published Arthur L. Slotkin’s 75 Years of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University. Through personal interviews and in-depth research, Mr. Slotkin has created a detailed chronology that will take readers on a journey through time to discover how Auburn’s forestry and wildlife programs evolved to become the present-day School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.

The School will commemorate its 75th anniversary from March 2021 through 2022. Throughout the year, we will invite our faculty, students, alumni, and friends to join us in celebrating the School’s rich history of teaching, research, and extension through a series of virtual and in-person *events, including:

  • 7 for 75 Virtual Speaker Series: Accomplished alumni and industry leaders representing our diverse programs will discuss a wide range of topics from land management to current and future technology to stakeholder engagement.
  • Dean’s Q & A and Alumni Breakout Sessions: Deans past and present will share their personal stories of the major milestones that occurred during their tenure. As part of these virtual roundtable discussions, we will host breakout sessions for alumni to socialize and reminisce about their time at Auburn.
  • 75th Anniversary Events: Faculty, staff, and students will celebrate the anniversary with alumni and friends during the School’s annual events, including the student awards banquet, graduate research symposium, and alumni homecoming barbeque.
  • 75th Anniversary Gala: The anniversary celebrations will conclude with a signature gala in the spring of 2022 at the Gogue Performing Arts Center. To feature a distinguished keynote speaker, guests will also enjoy dinner, musical entertainment, a complimentary book signing with Arthur Slotkin, and a short documentary of the 75-year history of forestry and wildlife sciences at Auburn University.

In addition to this exciting calendar of events, we invite our alumni to share their Auburn experience by submitting stories, photos, and other memorabilia to our website that will be shared online with fellow alumni during the anniversary celebration year.

On behalf of the faculty and staff, we look forward to commemorating this milestone anniversary with you in honor of 75 years of forestry and wildlife Sciences at Auburn University!

War Eagle!

Dr. Janaki R.R. Alavalapati, Dean

  • Events are subject to change in compliance with Auburn University’s COVID-19 safety protocols.

1888
1896
1905
1907
1908
1923
1924
1927
1930
1936
1938
1940
1945
1946
1947
1951
1953
1960
1969
1971

1888

First annual report of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station contains a survey of woods in Alabama by P.M. Mell, Jr., professor of natural history

 

1896

API adds a one semester course in horticulture that includes observations in forestry

 

1905

Botany department adds research in forestry

 

1907

Horticulture department adds first course in forestry

 

1908

R.S. Mackintosh becomes the first professor of horticulture and forestry

 

1923

Lamar M. Ware, “the father of Auburn forestry,” joins the faculty as assistant professor of horticulture and forestry

 

1924

Associate Professor Otto Brown named the first extension forester

 

1927

L.M. Ware established the first forestry plantation at Auburn, initiating forestry research

 

1930

L.M. Ware appointed head of Department of Horticulture and Forestry

 

1936

Alabama Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit established at API under the direction of Harold S. Peters

 

1938

Elmer A. Jones receives the first master of science degree in game management

 

1940

API acquires first two experiment forests in Barbour and Coosa counties

 

1945

Alabama legislature passes bill to authorize the establishment of the first undergraduate forestry degree in API

 

1946

Forestry becomes a standalone curriculum in the horticulture and forestry department

 

1947

  • Forestry becomes a standalone department in the School of Agriculture
  • R.H. Westveld appointed first head of forestry department, July 1, 1947
  • T.D. Stevens head of forestry department (1947–1950)
  • Forestry building dedicated

 

1951

W.B. DeVall appointed head of forestry department (1951–1977)

 

1953

James E. Moak receives the first master of science in forestry

 

1960

Zoology-Entomology Department offers the first degree option in wildlife sciences

 

1969

Forestry building named for M. White Smith, Jr.

 

1971

Alden Main earned the first Ph.D. in forestry

 

Samford Hall, circa 1897
API Cadets pruning peach trees in the field in the late 1800s or early 1900s.
Headshot of F.S. Earle
Man standing in front of piles of timber.
Headshot of R.S. MacKintosh.
Cows graze outside of Comer Agricultural Hall.
Two men work at a hand saw on a cut down tree to harvest timber.
Small building across a dirt road with the title "WILDLIFE" above the entrance.
Three men sit in front of a large tree with "API" carved into its bark.
Barbour Experiment Forest with few trees in a large, grassy field, circa 1944.
Loblolly-shortleaf pine in old field, circa 1944.
Longleaf seedlings of various sizes closely placed in a field, circa 1942.
Hardwood trees.
Man stands in forest, observing growth in 11-13 year old trees.
Man stands at podium in front of seated colleagues on the steps of the Forestry Building, circa 1949.
Forestry Building and parking lot, circa 1949.
Students sit in forestry class overseen by their instructor, circa 1949.
Student tests wood in 100,000 pounds tester in timber physics laboratory, circa 1949. One student operates the machine while two others record with an instructor observing.
Three men work at chipping bark off of a tree, circa 1948.
Two men use a large saw in a sawing contest with many onlookers.
One man records ecology information on a canvas-like structure at summer camp, circa 1948.
Men are gathered for a forest management learning exercise, with the instructor gesturing to a visual aid stand, circa 1948.
Man bends down to look through a structure for transit work.
Students walk downstairs carrying microscopes.
API Short Course on Lumber Grading, March 1953
Foundation officers Harold Coan, Roy Gamble and Frank Stewart reviewing the foundation budget in 1976
President R.B. Draughon, Head Professor W. B. DeVall, and C.H. Cantrell, director of the Auburn University Library receive certificate from the Forest History Society
men review forestry forum program, 1966
students at forestry camp in Atmore, AL, 1964
L.M. Ware, "Father of Forestry" at Auburn
Members of the Auburn Consulting Committee on Forestry Research
Men stand at podium
First Woman initiate, Rebecca Wright, joins Xi Sigma Pi National Forestry Honorary, 1975
man presented award
men review building plans
Sketch of proposed forest products lab used for fundraising, 1973
Emmett F. Thompson, 1977
members of forestry faculty, 1970s
elizabeth ballard received certificate as registered forester, late 1970s
man checks beaver dam for an active crossing
collaring a gray fox, 1970s
Solon and Martha Dixon present check to AU President Philpott
Original sign in front of Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center
Solon Dixon stands at a podium at Dixon Center
First summer camp at Dixon Center, 1980
Students standing in front of new dormitories, Dixon Center, 1980
Students eating in cafeteria at the Dixon Center, 1980
Solon and Martha Dixon at the family graveyard at the Dixon Center, photo: Solon Dixon
Forestry Advisory Council formed, DeVall and council members, Lee, Murphy, Cantalou and Stewart, 1983
Everett E. “Rhett” Johnson, director, Dixon Center, 1980–2006, photo: 1980s
Dean Emmett Thompson stands in front of School of Forestry sign
Shown are Martha Dixon, Red Bamberg, President Pro Tem of the board of trustees, James Martin, Emmett Thompson, Phillip Jones, Treasurer, Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation, April 1990
Richard Brinker, 1993
Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve road sign
Dean Emmett Thompson presents Glenn Glover with teaching award.
Thompson announced his retirement date as April 1, 1998
Dean Richard Brinker
Dean Brinker at a building working session, clockwise, from top, left: David Northcutt, Office of AU Architect; Angie Stephens, SFWS Development Officer; Lane Messer, SFWS Student Services Office; Dean Richard Brinker, SFWS; Kent Hanby, Director of Student Services, SFWS; Mark Jensen, Architect, Cooper Cary, Inc.; Yann Cowart, Architect, Butner Architectural Group, Photo: Glover
groundbreaking ceremony for new Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Building
Construction begins on new building in 2003, photo: Glover
Construction of building in Winter 2003-2004, photo: Glover
Construction continues, September 2004, photo: Glover
Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Building completed
Joel martin
Dean Brinker
Dean James Shepard
Dean James Shepard dedicates the Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation Learning Center, April 2013
B.G. Lockaby
Janaki R.R. Alavalapati
Dixon family with Martha Dixon
alumni and dean alalavapati during the diversity luncheon
Martha Dixon
marc and penny walley
BeckyBarlow

75 Years of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University, written by Arthur L. Slotkin

Featuring first-hand accounts and historic photographs, this anthology will take readers on a journey through time to learn how Auburn’s forestry and wildlife programs evolved to become the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, a flagship institution for natural resources education, research and extension.

Order your copy of this keepsake book for only $29.95. Orders begin shipping via USPS in February 2021.

Order your copy today!

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events.

As part of the 75th Anniversary Celebration, we invite our alumni to submit their stories, photos, video, or other memorabilia of their Auburn experience to be shared via the School’s website and social media throughout the anniversary year.

  • Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf, doc, jpg, png, mpv, mp4, mp3, Max. file size: 50 MB.
    • This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Please join us in appreciation of the individuals and organizations who contributed to the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University:

     

    Planning Committee Chairs: Drs. Becky Barlow and Mark Smith
    Committee Members: Jamie Anderson, Heather Crozier, Paula Davis, Dr. Glenn Glover ’73, William Green ’14, Sue Robinson, and Frank Walburn ’79

    Historical Analysis and Documentation: Arthur L. Slotkin ’68, author of 8 books concerning the history of science and technology, including 75 Years of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University

    Broadcast and Media Services: Al Eiland and Kelly Knowles; Michael Hales, Jim Jackson, Kevin Fichtner, Heather Jackson, and Megan Burmester of the Auburn University Office of Communications and Marketing

    Additional footage provided by: Sarah Kirk, Destination Whitetail, and FilmCru Studios

    Celebrating 75 Years

    Dean's Message

    Dean Janaki Alavalapati

    Dr. Janaki R.R. Alavalapati, Dean

    School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences
    Auburn University
    3301 Forestry and Wildlife Building
    602 Duncan Drive
    Auburn, Alabama 36849-3418

    Phone: 334-844-1004
    Email: ajanaki@auburn.edu

    Dear Auburn Family,

    It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University!

    Thank you for visiting our website. We hope you’ll enjoy learning about the history of Auburn’s forestry and wildlife sciences programs within the interactive timeline and photo archive that provide a visual tour of the School’s significant milestones and achievements.

    As you’ll discover, forestry first became a stand-alone program in what was then known as the School of Agriculture in 1946. Since that time, Auburn has produced thousands of well qualified graduates, provided citizens with science-based solutions to improve their quality of life and developed solutions to some of society’s most complex natural resource challenges.

    In honor of this occasion, the School has published Arthur L. Slotkin’s 75 Years of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University. Through personal interviews and in-depth research, Mr. Slotkin has created a detailed chronology of the School’s history that will take readers on a journey through time to discover how Auburn’s forestry and wildlife programs evolved to become the present-day School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.

    The School will observe its 75th anniversary year from March 2020 through 2021. During this time, we will invite our faculty, students, alumni, and friends to join us in celebrating the School’s rich history of teaching, research, and extension through a series of virtual and in-person *events, including:

    • 7 for 75 Virtual Speaker Series: Accomplished alumni and industry leaders representing our diverse programs will discuss a wide range of topics from land management to current and future technology to stakeholder engagement.
    • Dean’s Q & A and Alumni Breakout Sessions: Deans past and present will share their personal stories of the major milestones that occurred during their tenure. During these virtual roundtable discussions, the school will host breakout sessions for alumni to socialize and reminisce about their time at Auburn.
    • 75th Anniversary Events: Faculty, staff, and students will celebrate the anniversary with alumni and friends at the School’s annual events, including the student awards banquet, graduate research symposium, and alumni homecoming barbeque.
    • 75th Anniversary Gala: The anniversary celebrations will conclude with a signature gala in the spring of 2022 at the Gogue Performing Arts Center. To feature a distinguished keynote speaker, guests will also enjoy dinner, musical entertainment, a complimentary book signing with Arthur Slotkin, and a short documentary of the 75-year history of forestry and wildlife sciences at Auburn University.

    In addition to this exciting calendar of events, we invite our alumni to share memories of their time at Auburn by submitting their stories, photos, and other memorabilia to the School’s website and social media during the anniversary celebration year.

    On behalf of the faculty and staff, we look forward to commemorating this milestone anniversary with you in honor of 75 years of forestry and wildlife Sciences at Auburn University!

    War Eagle!

    Dr. Janaki R.R. Alavalapati, Dean

    • Events are subject to change in compliance with Auburn University’s COVID-19 safety protocols.

    Milestone Timeline

    1888
    1896
    1905
    1907
    1908
    1923
    1924
    1927
    1930
    1936
    1938
    1940
    1945
    1946
    1947
    1951
    1953
    1960
    1969
    1971

    1888

    First annual report of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station contains a survey of woods in Alabama by P.M. Mell, Jr., professor of natural history

     

    1896

    API adds a one semester course in horticulture that includes observations in forestry

     

    1905

    Botany department adds research in forestry

     

    1907

    Horticulture department adds first course in forestry

     

    1908

    R.S. Mackintosh becomes the first professor of horticulture and forestry

     

    1923

    Lamar M. Ware, “the father of Auburn forestry,” joins the faculty as assistant professor of horticulture and forestry

     

    1924

    Associate Professor Otto Brown named the first extension forester

     

    1927

    L.M. Ware established the first forestry plantation at Auburn, initiating forestry research

     

    1930

    L.M. Ware appointed head of Department of Horticulture and Forestry

     

    1936

    Alabama Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit established at API under the direction of Harold S. Peters

     

    1938

    Elmer A. Jones receives the first master of science degree in game management

     

    1940

    API acquires first two experiment forests in Barbour and Coosa counties

     

    1945

    Alabama legislature passes bill to authorize the establishment of the first undergraduate forestry degree in API

     

    1946

    Forestry becomes a standalone curriculum in the horticulture and forestry department

     

    1947

    • Forestry becomes a standalone department in the School of Agriculture
    • R.H. Westveld appointed first head of forestry department, July 1, 1947
    • T.D. Stevens head of forestry department (1947–1950)
    • Forestry building dedicated

     

    1951

    W.B. DeVall appointed head of forestry department (1951–1977)

     

    1953

    James E. Moak receives the first master of science in forestry

     

    1960

    Zoology-Entomology Department offers the first degree option in wildlife sciences

     

    1969

    Forestry building named for M. White Smith, Jr.

     

    1971

    Alden Main earned the first Ph.D. in forestry

     

    Photo Archive

    Samford Hall, circa 1897
    API Cadets pruning peach trees in the field in the late 1800s or early 1900s.
    Headshot of F.S. Earle
    Man standing in front of piles of timber.
    Headshot of R.S. MacKintosh.
    Cows graze outside of Comer Agricultural Hall.
    Two men work at a hand saw on a cut down tree to harvest timber.
    Small building across a dirt road with the title "WILDLIFE" above the entrance.
    Three men sit in front of a large tree with "API" carved into its bark.
    Barbour Experiment Forest with few trees in a large, grassy field, circa 1944.
    Loblolly-shortleaf pine in old field, circa 1944.
    Longleaf seedlings of various sizes closely placed in a field, circa 1942.
    Hardwood trees.
    Man stands in forest, observing growth in 11-13 year old trees.
    Man stands at podium in front of seated colleagues on the steps of the Forestry Building, circa 1949.
    Forestry Building and parking lot, circa 1949.
    Students sit in forestry class overseen by their instructor, circa 1949.
    Student tests wood in 100,000 pounds tester in timber physics laboratory, circa 1949. One student operates the machine while two others record with an instructor observing.
    Three men work at chipping bark off of a tree, circa 1948.
    Two men use a large saw in a sawing contest with many onlookers.
    One man records ecology information on a canvas-like structure at summer camp, circa 1948.
    Men are gathered for a forest management learning exercise, with the instructor gesturing to a visual aid stand, circa 1948.
    Man bends down to look through a structure for transit work.
    Students walk downstairs carrying microscopes.
    API Short Course on Lumber Grading, March 1953
    Foundation officers Harold Coan, Roy Gamble and Frank Stewart reviewing the foundation budget in 1976
    President R.B. Draughon, Head Professor W. B. DeVall, and C.H. Cantrell, director of the Auburn University Library receive certificate from the Forest History Society
    men review forestry forum program, 1966
    students at forestry camp in Atmore, AL, 1964
    L.M. Ware, "Father of Forestry" at Auburn
    Members of the Auburn Consulting Committee on Forestry Research
    Men stand at podium
    First Woman initiate, Rebecca Wright, joins Xi Sigma Pi National Forestry Honorary, 1975
    man presented award
    men review building plans
    Sketch of proposed forest products lab used for fundraising, 1973
    Emmett F. Thompson, 1977
    members of forestry faculty, 1970s
    elizabeth ballard received certificate as registered forester, late 1970s
    man checks beaver dam for an active crossing
    collaring a gray fox, 1970s
    Solon and Martha Dixon present check to AU President Philpott
    Original sign in front of Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center
    Solon Dixon stands at a podium at Dixon Center
    First summer camp at Dixon Center, 1980
    Students standing in front of new dormitories, Dixon Center, 1980
    Students eating in cafeteria at the Dixon Center, 1980
    Solon and Martha Dixon at the family graveyard at the Dixon Center, photo: Solon Dixon
    Forestry Advisory Council formed, DeVall and council members, Lee, Murphy, Cantalou and Stewart, 1983
    Everett E. “Rhett” Johnson, director, Dixon Center, 1980–2006, photo: 1980s
    Dean Emmett Thompson stands in front of School of Forestry sign
    Shown are Martha Dixon, Red Bamberg, President Pro Tem of the board of trustees, James Martin, Emmett Thompson, Phillip Jones, Treasurer, Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation, April 1990
    Richard Brinker, 1993
    Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve road sign
    Dean Emmett Thompson presents Glenn Glover with teaching award.
    Thompson announced his retirement date as April 1, 1998
    Dean Richard Brinker
    Dean Brinker at a building working session, clockwise, from top, left: David Northcutt, Office of AU Architect; Angie Stephens, SFWS Development Officer; Lane Messer, SFWS Student Services Office; Dean Richard Brinker, SFWS; Kent Hanby, Director of Student Services, SFWS; Mark Jensen, Architect, Cooper Cary, Inc.; Yann Cowart, Architect, Butner Architectural Group, Photo: Glover
    groundbreaking ceremony for new Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Building
    Construction begins on new building in 2003, photo: Glover
    Construction of building in Winter 2003-2004, photo: Glover
    Construction continues, September 2004, photo: Glover
    Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Building completed
    Joel martin
    Dean Brinker
    Dean James Shepard
    Dean James Shepard dedicates the Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation Learning Center, April 2013
    B.G. Lockaby
    Janaki R.R. Alavalapati
    Dixon family with Martha Dixon
    alumni and dean alalavapati during the diversity luncheon
    Martha Dixon
    marc and penny walley
    BeckyBarlow

    75 Years of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences At Auburn University

    75 Years of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University, written by Arthur L. Slotkin

    Featuring first-hand accounts and historic photographs, this anthology will take readers on a journey through time to learn how Auburn’s forestry and wildlife programs evolved to become the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, a flagship institution for natural resources education, research and extension.

    Order your copy of this keepsake book for only $29.95. Orders begin shipping via USPS in February 2021.

    Order your copy today!

    Events Calendar

    Upcoming Events

    There are no upcoming events.

    Alumni Submission

    As part of the 75th Anniversary Celebration, we invite SFWS alumni to share their personal memories, photos, video, or other memorabilia of their Auburn experience with their fellow alumni. Submissions will be featured throughout the anniversary year within the alumni gallery and the School’s social media channels.

    • Drop files here or
      Accepted file types: pdf, doc, jpg, png, mpv, mp4, mp3, Max. file size: 50 MB.
      • This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

      Acknowledgements

      Please join us in appreciation of the individuals and organizations who contributed to the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University:

       

      Planning Committee Chairs: Drs. Becky Barlow and Mark Smith
      Committee Members: Jamie Anderson, Heather Crozier, Paula Davis, Dr. Glenn Glover, William Green, Sue Robinson, and Frank Walburn

      Historical Analysis and Documentation: Arthur L. Slotkin ’68, author of 8 books concerning the history of science and technology, including 75 Years of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University

      Broadcast and Media Services: Al Eiland and Kelly Knowles; Michael Hales, Jim Jackson, Kevin Fichtner, Heather Jackson, and Megan Burmester of the Auburn University Office of Communications and Marketing

      Additional footage provided by: Destination Whitetail, FilmCru Studios, and Real World Productions