Paul Winistorfer honored with dean emeritus status

Paul Winistorfer, dean and professor of wood science in the College of Natural Resources and Environment, has been conferred the title of dean emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired faculty members who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community for more than 24 years, Winistorfer made significant leadership contributions to the College of Natural Resources and Environment. During his tenure, the college faculty grew by 33 positions, undergraduate enrollment doubled to more than 1,000 students, and research expenditures increased to nearly $23 million.

Winistorfer oversaw the creation of the Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability to train environmental and sustainability leaders, and helped secure funding to endow the John F. Hosner distinguished lecture. Additionally, he co-created the Student Leadership Institute in the college and the Wood Enterprise Institute in the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials.

He initiated the creation of bachelor’s degree programs in water resources, meteorology, and packaging systems and design.

Winistorfer is a fellow of the International Academy of Wood Science. He has received numerous honors, including the Distinguished Service Award from the Forest Products Society, the President’s Award from the Virginia Forestry Association, and the Larry Hilchie Award for his work with WoodLinks USA. He is a U.S. patent holder for an optical device to measure the thickness swell of wood-based composites.

Winistorfer also assisted with securing funding for the construction of a college aviary in Center Woods that is adjacent to the Blacksburg campus.

Through his leadership, the Advising and Career Center was established in the college to better serve students, faculty, and employers. In the classroom, Winistorfer taught a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate classes on the topics of wood science.

Winistorfer received his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in wood science from Iowa State University.

Written by Emily Southern ’26