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College of Natural Resources

History

The College of Natural Resources, established in 1929, is heir to the traditions of two of the oldest forestry programs in the nation: the country's first forestry school, the Biltmore School of Forestry in Asheville, and the Pennsylvania State Forest Academy at Mont Alto. When Mont Alto's program concluded, NC State adopted many of its faculty, students and groundbreaking practices. From its beginnings, the College of Natural Resources' scope and reach has steadily grown to reflect evolving industry needs and environmental concerns.

historical forestry students - History - College of Natural Resources at NC State University

To review our remarkable history is to discover a timeline of breakthroughs in Forestry and Environmental Resources; Forest Biomaterials; and Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management – achieved by great academic and research pioneers. Our history of excellence is also a testament to the power of partnerships among academic, industry, nonprofit and government communities.

Our History

The College of Natural Resources at NC State has grown for more than a century—starting in 1918 with the farm forestry extension program and evolving into a national leader in sustainable natural resource management, research and innovation.

The Department of Forestry, founded in 1929, laid the groundwork for decades of forest education and outreach. The Department of Wood and Paper Science, established midcentury and renamed the Department of Forest Biomaterials in 2010, expanded the college’s focus on renewable materials and sustainability. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management emerged in the latter half of the 20th century, shaping research and education in recreation, sport and tourism. Together, these departments anchor the college’s interdisciplinary mission.

Over time, the college has redefined its identity—from the School of Forestry in 1950, to the School of Forest Resources in 1968, to the College of Natural Resources in 2000. Key moments include the dedication of Kilgore Hall in 1953, the move to Biltmore Hall in 1970, and the addition of Jordan Hall in 2007. Leaders such as Julius V. Hofmann, Richard J. Preston, Eric L. Ellwood and Myron F. Floyd helped guide that growth.

Today, the College of Natural Resources prepares the next generation of scientists, engineers and leaders to take on the world’s most pressing environmental challenges—through education, innovation and collaboration.

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