Donor support to shape future of FEWL Academy

Auburn’s Forest, Environment and Wildlife Leadership (FEWL) Academy gives students something rare: a direct path into the leadership, policy and professional networks shaping the future of natural resources.

Now, the program is looking to the Auburn Family to help secure its future and extend its impact for years to come.

“This program is funded 100% by philanthropic support,” said Adam Maggard, associate dean and the Harry E. Murphy Professor of Forest Systems Management in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE). “This is the only program of its kind in the country focused on forestry, wildlife and the environment, and it’s poised to make a real difference for our industry.”

Beyond campus

FEWL Academy was founded in 2019 by Maggard and Janaki Alavalapati, the Emmett F. Thompson Dean and a professor of forestry economics. The highly competitive program brings together a dozen high-achieving students from across majors for career development and experiential learning while exploring critical issues facing natural resources professionals. The year-long program includes trips to Washington, D.C., and Montgomery, Alabama, to meet with industry leaders, government legislators and organizations like the Department of the Interior, the National Park Service and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. 

“It’s a unique course that puts them in a position to grow professionally and develop their leadership skills outside of the classroom,” Maggard said. “There are a lot of hands-on networking opportunities to connect with leadership on campus and in public and private industry. Other schools across the country are reaching out with interest in how we’re doing this.”

Alumni success

What emerges is a tight-knit group of students equipped not just with technical knowledge, but with the leadership skills, confidence and broader perspective needed to help shape the future of natural resources.

One of those former students is Greg Johnson, who participated in FEWL Academy while earning a doctorate in environmental policy. He currently works in the Executive Office of the President of the United States, overseeing policy and budget analysis for the National Park Service.

As a non-traditional student with 13 years of leadership experience in the Indiana Army National Guard, Johnson said the program prepared him for professional roles outside the military by broadening his perspective on leadership and filling a gap he hadn’t realized existed in his undergraduate education at another institution.

“It was all very theoretical in undergrad — going through textbooks or listening to professors lecture — but there was never that real-world connection made with how leaders interact,” he said. “FEWL Academy was the nexus for that; they made the connection with government leaders and private business owners, and that is huge. I had no experience leading civilian employees, so it was a valuable opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills in a new context.”

Sarah Cain, who now works in wildland and prescribed fire science communication with the North Carolina State University Extension forestry team, participated in FEWL Academy in 2020. When the program went online due to COVID-19, the faculty pivoted to ensure students still gained practical experience and exposure to industry experts.

“FEWL Academy offers participants the unique opportunity to engage with agency professionals and leaders, which builds their confidence to continue engaging with leadership even after the program ends,” she said. “For students planning a career in natural resources, the program is an invaluable leadership development experience that builds self-confidence in professional settings.”

Powered by philanthropy

Darryl Rosser, an Auburn alumnus and longtime CEO in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, was among the first business leaders to invest his time and expertise in the program, offering students firsthand insight into what it takes to build and lead successful ventures.

“As a CEO, I have often seen bright, academically qualified students with leadership potential who simply haven’t had the opportunity in college to develop and polish it,” he said. “Like other programs within the college, FEWL Academy reflects Dr. Alavalapati’s outside-the-box, creative thinking by engaging students with top leaders in academics, government and business.”

Rosser urges others who believe in cultivating the next generation of natural resources professionals to support this one-of-a-kind program.

“For those interested in helping young leaders develop their potential, and for those companies interested in developing future talent, an investment into the FEWL program is a rewarding opportunity to pay it forward,” he said.

Maggard said support from the Auburn Family could transform the program from a year-to-year effort into a lasting investment in future generations.

“One annual gift helps sustain what we do today, but an endowment would secure FEWL Academy for generations to come,” he said. “This program is preparing Auburn students to lead the natural resources field through its greatest challenges — and there is no one better to help make that future possible than Auburn alumni.”