Mesner Named Associate Dean for Natural Resources, Extension Leader

Utah State University Associate Professor Nancy Mesner was recently named associate dean for the College of Natural Resources and program leader for USU Natural Resources Extension. Her new appointments were announced this month by College of Natural Resources Dean Nat Frazer and Noelle Cockett, vice president of USU Extension.

“Nancy brings a well-rounded background in teaching, research and extension to her new position in the college, as well as energy, intelligence and concern for students,” said Frazer. “We’re pleased to have her providing leadership in this capacity.”

Mesner joined USU in 1989 as a research technician in the university’s Utah Water Research Laboratory and became project manager of USU’s Ecosystems Research Institute the following year. She began teaching in the Watershed Sciences Department of the College of Natural Resources and serving as an Extension water quality specialist in 1998.

“The College of Natural Resources has been a great academic home for me and I’m excited about this new opportunity to serve the students and faculty of the college,” said Mesner.

In recent years, Mesner has conducted a number of research projects in nonpoint source water pollution. As an Extension specialist, she’s coordinated statewide educational efforts in water quality assessment and monitoring and organized volunteer monitoring programs.

Mesner and students developed the “Stream Side Science” program in collaboration with the Utah State Office of Education and former Governor Olene Walker’s Watershed Initiative that correlates directly with the state’s 9th grade Earth Systems Science core curriculum. The program provides hands-on water-related activities and lesson plans for students along with a teacher manual.

In 2004, Gov. Walker recognized Mesner’s work in organizing statewide volunteer and educational efforts with a Utah Watershed Improvement Award.

Mesner is among a team of USU researchers that recently developed the innovative Bear River Watershed Information System Web site, bearriverinfo.org, which provides real-time, comprehensive data about the 7,500-square-mile, multi-state watershed.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology from Oregon State University, Mesner completed master’s degrees in zoology and environmental engineering from the University of Washington.

Contact: Nancy Mesner, 435-797-2465; mailto:nancym@ext.usu.edu

Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, 435-797-1429; maryann.muffoletto@usu.edu