College of Natural Resources and Environment presents alumni achievement awards

17 Apr 2013

Randy Bush and John Carroll — Randy Bush (left) and John Carroll

Paul Winistorfer, dean of the College of Natural Resources and Environment, honored two special supporters of the college, Randy Bush of Mechanicsville, Va., and John Carroll of Louisa, Va., with Alumni Awards of Achievement.

The college bestows the award on prominent alumni to recognize career achievements and contributions that represent extraordinary professional accomplishment. Recipients have distinguished themselves as well as their organizations and communities while upholding the highest standards and values. Both Bush and Carroll have offered longstanding support to the college and its students.

The awards were presented during the college’s spring awards banquet on April 9, at which students, faculty, staff, and colleagues were recognized for achievements during the academic year.

“Over the years the college has benefited greatly from the assistance that Randy and John have provided from their respective posts,” said Winistorfer, “so it was important for the college to honor these two exceptional professionals with the Alumni Award of Achievement.”

Bush, who received a forestry degree from Virginia Tech in 1973, is the president and chief staff executive of the Virginia Forest Products Association, a nonprofit organization that represents companies involved in the forest products industry. Bush has served in this position since 1976 after working as the organization’s field director for two years. In addition, he has served on both the advisory board for the college and the advisory committee for what is now the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials.

“Randy Bush has been a friend and supporter of this college and our faculty and students ever since the day he graduated,” said Winistorfer. “Randy has supported the growth and sustainability of our forest industries throughout his career and has done so in a professional manner that has brought recognition to himself and to our institution. We are honoring him with the Alumni Award of Achievement to recognize his career-long achievement and contribution.”

Carroll, who earned his forestry degree from Virginia Tech in 1977, recently retired from the Virginia Department of Forestry after 35 with the agency. He started his career as a field forester, but soon transitioned to a management role and in 2002 became deputy state forester. Carroll served on the advisory board for the college’s Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation from 2002 to 2010. He is the owner of Carroll Resource Management LLC, an organization that actively assists forest landowners.

“John Carroll has distinguished himself as a professional public servant by the manner in which he has served,” said Winistorfer. “John’s character and his professional conduct and decision making have been widely recognized within the forestry community. We are fortunate that John has distinguished himself and has represented Virginia Tech and the college as an outstanding ambassador of forestry throughout his career.”

Written by LauraBess Kenny of Richmond, Va., a junior majoring in communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.