Donald J. Orth of Blacksburg, Thomas H. Jones professor and department head of fisheries and wildlife sciences at Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources, has been selected as president-elect of the National Association of University Fisheries and Wildlife Programs (NAUFWP).

NAUFWP is a faculty developed and supported organization that represents member institutions in their dealings with groups and organizations such as the government, natural resource organizations, commodity and industry groups, educational and scientific organizations, and the public.

The organization seeks to increase public understanding of fisheries and wildlife management and conservation; strengthen fisheries and wildlife education, research, Extension, and international programs at the university level; and advance fisheries and wildlife science and management.

Orth will also serve as chair-elect of the Fish and Wildlife Division of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC). This division is also part of the Board on Natural Resources for the Commission on Food, Environment, and Renewable Resources (CFERR).

NASULGC works in conjunction with the NAUFWP and represents approximately 80 institutions. NAUFWP was formed in 1991 and represents approximately 55 university programs and 440 faculty members, scientists, and Extension specialists as well as more than 9,200 undergraduate and graduate students.

Orth received his bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University and a master's degree and Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University.

The College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech consistently ranks among the top five programs of its kind in the nation. Faculty members stress both the technical and human elements of natural resources and instill in students a sense of stewardship and land-use ethics. Areas of studies include environmental resource management, fisheries and wildlife sciences, forestry, geospatial and environmental analysis, natural resource recreation, urban forestry, wood science and forest products, geography, and international development.

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