Owens new head of OSU natural resource ecology and management

The department of natural resource ecology and management conducts interdisciplinary research, instruction and extension education to address the sustainable management and conservation of the fishery, forest, rangeland and wildlife resources of Oklahoma and beyond.

“Dr. Owens’ leadership experience as well as his applied ecological research programs and successful extramural funding record make him uniquely qualified for department head.  He brings a wealth of land-grant experience and an outstanding record of accomplishments and leadership to the position,” said Robert E. Whitson, vice president, dean and director of agricultural programs at OSU.  “We are very pleased that he is joining our agricultural leadership team.”

As department head, Owens will provide leadership for planning, developing, integrating and implementing departmental teaching, research, extension and international programs; diversity efforts of the department to recruit and retain outstanding faculty, staff and students; and the pursuit of competitive grants, research contracts, gifts and other special funding to include endowments for scholarships, fellowships and chairs and professorships.

Owens comes to OSU from the Texas A&M System, where he served in several important leadership roles for the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station since 1987.  Much of his research has focused on sustainable use of natural resources.  Owens has served as editor-in-chief of Rangeland Ecology & Management, since 2004.

He is a member of the Society for Range Management, Ecological Society of America, Botanical Society of America and the American Geophysical Union.

Owens earned his doctoral degree in range science from Utah State University in 1987 and his master’s degree in range management from the University of Wyoming in 1981.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in forest management in 1977 and a bachelor’s degree in range management in 1977, both from the University of Idaho.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Janet F. Reeder, BA, MA
Agricultural Communications Services
Communications Specialist
142 Printing Services / Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK  74078
405.744.3651
janet.reeder@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.