Brian Bond named College of Natural Resources and Environment’s associate dean for extension, outreach, and engagement
Brian Bond, professor of sustainable biomaterials and Extension specialist, has been named associate dean for extension, outreach, and engagement in the College of Natural Resources and Environment (CNRE) at Virginia Tech.
In his new position, Bond will work with Extension agents and specialists within CNRE and throughout Virginia Cooperative Extension to increase their visibility, collaboration, and representation.
“I’m excited to continue to be engaged in Extension and to give back to my colleagues by promoting the outstanding work they do,” Bond said. “I look forward to working with our Extension faculty to provide new programming that addresses the broader issues facing the environment as our population grows, becomes more urban, and faces climate change.”
A member of the Virginia Tech faculty since 2002, Bond brings to his new role more than 23 years of experience developing Extension programs, forging collaborative relationships, teaching students, and advancing research supportive of the university's land-grant mission.
As an expert in wood products, Bond focuses on improving their sustainable use and manufacturing. His Extension program in wood products manufacturing and utilization is nationally recognized for influencing more sustainable practices among citizens, small start-up businesses, and large-scale corporations.
Bond has served as a principal or co-investigator for more than $2.8 million in grants and contracts, including a current project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service to increase the use of hardwood in cross-laminated timber and validate its inclusion in the national building code. He has published 43 referred journal articles and 68 trade journal articles and developed and presented over 300 workshops and short courses.
Through his work as director of the CNRE Leadership Institute, Bond has helped prepare nearly 150 students to take on leadership roles in public agencies, private companies, and nonprofit organizations that span the spectrum of disciplines in the college.
Bond earned a bachelor’s degree in forest products from Clemson University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in wood science and forest products from Virginia Tech. After serving as an assistant professor and Extension specialist at the University of Tennessee for four years, he returned to Virginia Tech’s Department of Wood Science and Forest Products (now the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials) in 2002 as an assistant professor and extension specialist.
“Our extension, outreach, and engagement work in the College of Natural Resources and Environment is critical in meeting the needs of landowners, citizens, agencies, and other units of state government in the commonwealth,” said Paul Winistorfer, dean of the college. “Dr. Bond brings a wealth of experience as an Extension specialist to this new role and additional responsibility in the college. I know he can help us build community within the college, and within Virginia Cooperative Extension, around the importance and impact of our work. He has a strong vision for the Extension mission and demonstrated such during the interview.”
Bond succeeds Robert “Bob” Smith, who retired as associate dean for engagement in 2021 after 30 years with Virginia Tech.
“CNRE extension excellence is a result of our people and their accomplishments,” Bond said. “I look forward to showcasing all that our agents and specialists are doing around the commonwealth and supporting them in helping communities thrive.”
Virginia Cooperative Extension was established in 1914 and is a partnership between Virginia’s two land-grant universities: Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. Today, Extension operates out of 107 offices, 11 Agricultural Research and Extension Centers, and six 4-H centers across the commonwealth. Extension agents, specialists, and volunteers work to assist farmers, empower youth, guide responsible resource management, and advance the well-being of all Virginians.
Written by Marya Barlow
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