College of Natural Resources and Environment celebrates a century of forestry education
The university's first forestry professor, Wilbur O'Byrne, joined the faculty in 1925.
The College of Natural Resources and Environment marked the 100th anniversary of forestry education at Virginia Tech by planting a northern red oak — a living symbol of strength, resilience, and growth. What began as a single course in 1925 taught by pioneering professor Wilbur O’Byrne has grown into one of the nation’s top programs in natural resources and environmental conservation.
Virginia’s forests were nearly depleted by the end of the 19th century. Widespread logging to supply fuel for iron furnaces and steam generators in the northeastern United States and the United Kingdom left the landscape bare. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable forest management, Virginia established an agricultural research station in Blacksburg in 1886, laying the groundwork for what would become the university’s forestry program.
The first forestry course appeared in the 1902 catalog for what was then Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute, offering instruction in the classification and conservation of native trees. But it wasn’t until 1925, with the hiring of O’Byrne, that a dedicated forestry curriculum took root.
In 1938, the university began offering a Bachelor of Science in conservation and forestry, establishing a formal path for students interested in sustainable land management.
“For more than 100 years, Virginia Tech’s forestry education, research, and outreach have supported generations of landowners and businesses across Virginia and beyond,” said retiring Dean Paul Winistorfer. “With a strong foundation, our forestry program is well positioned to support healthy, sustainable forest ecosystems that benefit all Virginians in the next century.”
Branching out
Just as a tree grows new branches, the forestry program expanded over the years to include wildlife conservation. In 1959, forestry and wildlife sciences separated from the Department of Biology to form a new academic unit focused on the conservation of both forest landscapes and the species that inhabit them.
Even as the program grew, the commonwealth continued funding Virginia students to attend North Carolina State University for forestry studies — until 1961, when John F. Hosner was named head of the department at Virginia Tech. Hosner helped establish Virginia Tech as a national leader in forestry education through faculty recruitment, industry partnerships, and student engagement.
By 1965, the program earned Society of American Foresters accreditation. Within a decade, enrollment grew from just 66 undergraduate and five graduate students to more than 340 undergraduate and 50 graduate students.
A home for forestry
As the program grew in size and reputation, so did the need for a dedicated facilities. With help from Julian Cheatham ’33, then a senior vice president at Georgia-Pacific, a $1.6 million bond referendum and corporate support funded the construction of a state-of-the-art academic building. Cheatham Hall, named in his honor, was dedicated in 1971 and remains a hub for forestry education and research.
By 1974, the forestry and wildlife programs had branched into two distinct units: fisheries and wildlife sciences, and forestry and forest products. Two years later, the programs were united under the School of Forestry and Wildlife Resources.
In 1979, the forestry unit split again, this time forming the Department of Forestry and the Department of Wood Science and Forest Products, the latter housed in the newly constructed Thomas Brooks Center, named for the longtime lumber executive and philanthropist.
National recognition and transformation
By 1984, the University of Illinois released a ranking of schools accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Virginia Tech’s School of Forestry was recognized as one of the best in the country, ranking third nationally and earning high marks for faculty productivity based on peer perception, faculty productivity, graduate success, and peer reputation.
Today, College Factual ranks Virginia Tech third among all forestry programs, while the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard gives ranks Virginia Tech sixth.
Hosner, a persistent advocate for elevating the program, led the charge to transform the school into a college. In 1992, the College of Forestry and Wildlife Resources was formally established by legislative approval. The name changed to the College of Natural Resources in 2000, and in 2010, “Environment” was added to reflect the college’s broader mission in sustainability, environmental science, and stewardship.
Today, the college includes four departments and offers 12 undergraduate majors. In May, the college awarded 255 bachelor’s degrees and 60 advanced degrees. The college’s extensive research portfolio is nationally recognized for its impact and scholarly output. The college’s Extension faculty serve landowners and communities throughout the commonwealth.
