New CNR Dean Nat Frazer Arrives

With unpacked boxes at work and home, new Dean of the College of Natural Resources Nat B. Frazer joined CNR students, faculty and staff at their informal weekly coffee break in the Natural Resources building atrium Tuesday morning.  

 

Frazer, who assumed his new post Jan. 1, recently relocated to Utah from his previous position as professor and chair of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida-Gainesville.

 

“We are very pleased to have Nat joining our university,” said Noelle Cockett, vice president for Extension and Agriculture and former interim provost, who announced Frazer’s appointment in August. “He brings a broad range of experience in teaching, research and administration, and we believe he is an ideal fit for the College of Natural Resources.”

 

A Georgia native, Frazer said he looks forward to learning more about Utah and the local community, about which he’s becoming better acquainted on his daily walks to and from campus. “As a new member of the USU community, I’m particularly excited about the opening of the Performance Hall this weekend,” he said.

 

Frazer is also enthusiastic about the College of Natural Resources. “Natural resources impact everyone,” he said. “Our bright students will change the world in positive ways we can’t even imagine today.”

 

He adds that CNR faculty members are already changing the world through their teaching, research and extension activities.

 

USU’s College of Natural Resources includes the academic departments of Aquatic, Watershed and Earth Resources; Forest, Range and Wildlife Sciences; and Environment and Society. More than 400 undergraduates and more than 150 graduate students are currently enrolled in degree programs administered by the college.

 

FRWS professor Mike Wolfe presents the college’s next public seminar, “Studies of Cougar Ecology and Management in Utah,” Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 4 p.m. in NR 105. Refreshments will be served in the NR atrium at 3:45 p.m.