College of Natural Resources
The Pointer
kbose675@uwsp.edu
The College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is the largest undergraduate natural resources college in the nation, and with that title comes many activities and happenings during the fall semester of 2008. Though the college has had many great accomplishments, they have also experienced a great loss this semester.
Bryant Browne, a professor of water chemistry and soil physics, recently passed away. Browne created several laboratory manuals and is the author of multiple publications in professional journals. During his time at UW-SP, Browne patented a process for collecting dissolved gases in water that can then determine the age of the water. After joining the UW-SP faculty in 1993, he received the UW-SP Excellence in Teaching Award only three years later.
Ron Hensler, CNR emeritus professor of soil and waste resources, described Browne as “an amazing scholar, as well as teacher.” A memorial has been established in Browne’s name at St. Michael’s Oncology Center.
The college, though, has enjoyed many successes this semester. The fall of 2008 brought the largest class of incoming freshmen to the CNR. New freshmen totaled 370, almost 100 students over recent years. With new freshmen comes new faculty.
Dr. Daniel Isermann was hired as an assistant professor in the fisheries department. Also, the wildlife department may be adding another faculty position for either the spring or fall semester of 2009.
The CNR developed a dual undergraduate degree in the paper science and engineering programs, along with five international universities and North Carolina State University. Over the next four years, 12 UW-SP paper science and engineering students will travel to Finland and Germany, which will earn them dual degrees. Each university will host the same number of international students to study as they are sending abroad.
The CNR’s international program European student seminar is currently over-subscribed with students wanting to attend the summer-long seminar.
“The current state of the economy seems to indicate that there shouldn’t be much interest in studying abroad because of the higher cost,” said Dr. John Houghton, associate dean of the CNR, “but there is a strong interest. That is definitely a testament to the CNR and UW-SP.”
One of the CNR’s most distinguished professors will be retiring this fall. Dr. Rick Wilke, a UW System Distinguished Professor of Environmental Education, decided to retire from UW-SP after 32 years to pursue other personal and professional interests.
“I’ve struggled with the idea [of retirement] quite a bit,” said Wilke. “I really like what I do and deciding to retire was not an easy choice.”
Before Wilke received one of the UW System’s 20 Distinguished Professorships in 1996, he served as the associate dean of the CNR for 15 years. Dr. Wilke currently directs the U.S. EPA’s National Environmental Education Training Program. Through this program, UW-SP has received over 20 million dollars in funding from the U.S. EPA during the last 12 years to improve environmental education nationally.
Of all the awards and accomplishments that Wilke has acquired in the past 32 years at UW-SP, some of his proudest moments lie in the accomplishments of others.
“I am most proud of the master’s degree students that I have been a faculty mentor for. To see their growth and accomplishments is very fulfilling,” said Wilke. “I taught a grant proposal course as well and 66 percent of the students in my class had success in receiving a grant after the class finished. To have students succeeding in that way was amazing.”
Wilke is the only faculty member in the history of UW-SP to receive the campus’ three major awards: Excellence in Teaching, University Service and University Scholar awards.
Graduating students may fondly remember their time spent studying at the College of Natural Resources and words of encouragement flow from many faculty members.
“I would like to let students know that this is their alma mater and they’re always welcome back. It’s nice to hear from students after graduation and see what is happening in the graduates’ eyes,” said Houghton. “It’s important to remember that UW-SP’s measure of success is based on the success of their students.”
