British statesman and former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli observed once that “Change is inevitable. Change is constant.” Any casual nature observer knows that change is, well, natural. But only certain kinds of changes are viewed as useful. Change also is a constant at institutions like Purdue.

What are some of the changes at Purdue? Well, Purdue’s first female Latina president, Dr. France Córdova, took office in mid- 2007. Since then the College of Agriculture has seen its former Dean, Dr. Randy Woodson, accept the position of Provost at Purdue, and has welcomed the appointment of Dr. Jay Akridge as Interim Dean. Both the college and university are moving forward with strategic planning efforts that involved considerable input from Indiana citizens.

In the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR), faculty numbers have grown by nearly 40% since 2000; 37 faculty contribute to our teaching, research and extension programs. Over half of these faculty (21) have joined FNR since 2000, with over one third (13) arriving in the last two years! The undergraduate curriculum underwent a comprehensive review in 2006-08, aided greatly by comments from departmental supporters. FNR offers five undergraduate majors, all of which focus on learning outcomes aimed at producing articulate, critical thinkers capable of leading the next generation of natural resource professionals.

A visit to our Web site http://www.fnr.purdue.edu  provides a quick overview of the array of expertise assembled in the department. Three areas of excellence were identified in 2006 to which a 6-year commitment has been made that devotes faculty and staff to synergistic, interdisciplinary activities that unify and integrate FNR interests and expertise in research, extension, and education. Partnering for Land-Use Sustainability (PLUS) members are working to help frame current discussions on land use occurring in Indiana, including:

What would ecological footprints of a bio-fuel future look like for Indiana? If current development trends continue, what would the ecological consequences be? What are the configurations, location, and quantity of wild lands needed to sustain ecosystems? What behaviors (drivers of change) impact the use of our land for housing, economic development, food, fiber, wildlife, and energy?

Applied Ecological Genetics (AEG) is a second area of excellence and serves as a natural outgrowth of activities initiated by the Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center. AEG members merge the disciplines of ecology and genetics, with an emphasis on the use of genetic tools and concepts to address applied problems in the ecological sciences, including those pertaining to the conservation, management, and genetic improvement of species.

Sustaining Hardwood Ecosystems (SHE) is the third area of excellence. Its long-term goals are to determine the ecological and social impacts of long-term forest management on public and private lands in Indiana and the Central Hardwoods Region. Several studies are under way on departmental and state properties, including the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment, a long-term, large-scale study of forest management and its impacts on plants and animals at Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood State Forests (http://www.theforeststudy.org/ ).

Change happens. At Purdue our goal is to change for the better. Working with our constituents is a key in this regard, and we will continue to strive for ways to improve communication. If you are interested in receiving the Spotting Scope, the FNR newsletter, feel free to let me know at rswihart@purdue.edu.

Rob Swihart is Department Head and Professor of Wildlife Ecology with the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University.