Utah State University Names New Dean of College of Natural Resources

Aug. 16, 2005 — Utah State University Interim Provost Noelle Cockett announced today the appointment of Nat B. Frazer as the new dean of the university's College of Natural Resources, subject to final approval by the Board of Trustees.

 

Frazer, who currently serves as professor and chair of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida - Gainesville, assumes his new post Jan. 1, 2006.

 

"We are very pleased to have Nat joining our university," said Cockett. "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 earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Georgia and a master's degree in history and public affairs from the University of Illinois at Springfield. He completed a doctorate in ecology at the University of Georgia's Institute of Ecology, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in the Marine Policy Program at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts.

 

Frazer's research interests center on the valuation of natural resources, including understanding how perceived land values influence land use decisions and the resulting effects on wildlife habitat and water quality.

 

Fraser said he looks forward to his new post and becoming better acquainted with Utah State.

 

"It's clear that the College of Natural Resources has a bright past and is poised to have an even brighter future," he said. "We've got a lot of hard work ahead of us, but we're also going to have some great times along the way."

 

Utah State'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.

 

Frazer succeeds F.E. "Fee" Busby, who served as dean for almost seven years and returned to teaching and research pursuits June 30. Chris Luecke, department head of Aquatic, Watershed and Earth Resources, currently serves as interim dean.

 

In a statement last year, USU President Stan Albrecht, former provost of Utah State, praised Busby's efforts in leading the College of Natural Resources through a forward-looking reorganization process and resolving difficult budget issues.

 

"We are greatly indebted to Fee for his vision, dedication and sound fiscal responsibility," said Albrecht.