FER Leadership Board
The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources (FER) selects students from the department to serve as Leadership Board members each year. The Leadership Board creates a welcoming environment for existing students by creating events and programs to enhance and support our current students’ experience and provide support within FER and College of Natural Resources. All board members demonstrate great leadership and communications skills, NC State pride and academic achievement across a diversity of majors.
If you are interested in applying to become a FER Leadership Board member, email Erin Champion at eachampi@ncsu.edu. The application cycle typically begins in March of each year.
Meet your 2024-2025 FER Leadership Board Members:
Chloe Fox
Email: cgfox@ncsu.edu
Major: Environmental Sciences
I study at NC State because: I chose to study at NC State because of its strong emphasis on sustainability and the unique community within the College of Natural Resources. The college’s commitment to solutions and research in areas such as conservation and sustainable practices aligns closely with my passion for environmental science. At NC State, I have the opportunity to collaborate with knowledgeable faculty and engage with peers, fostering a supportive environment that is committed to a more sustainable future.
Claudia Farnell
Co-President, Email: crfarnel@ncsu.edu
Major: Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Concentration: Wildlife Biology, Minor: Zoology
I study at NC State because: There are so many different paths you can choose at NC State and so many different ways to get involved in student life. My freshman year, I was able to try so many different activities and clubs, and I found a home within the College of Natural Resources! CNR is an incredibly active, tight-knit community, and our faculty and peers are always finding ways to reach out and support one another. The FER Leadership Board is an amazing way to be involved within the college and create a sense of belonging for other students!
Hannah Miller
Email: hmiller5@ncsu.edu
Major: Environmental Sciences
I study at NC State because: I have found an extremely welcoming and supportive network at NC State and the College of Natural Resources. I am extremely grateful to my first year advisor, Kaly Wall, who has helped me with writing cover letters, resume building, looking for research, and much more. CNR has provided me with multiple opportunities and experiences to develop myself as a person, leader, and team worker. Environmental Sciences as a study gives me the opportunity to explore multiple facets of the field including biology, ecology, chemistry, physics, natural resource policy, and economics. I love that I get to learn a broad variety of topics and applications.
Jada Lee
Email: jllee6@ncsu.edu
Major: Environmental Sciences, Minor: Political Science
I study at NC State because: I chose NC State because of the numerous pathways available in the environmental science field. The variety of focal areas gave me the flexibility to explore different aspects of environmental science and figure out the career path I’m passionate about. Additionally, the community within the College of Natural Resources has been incredibly welcoming. Everyone has a genuine love for learning and a shared commitment to making a positive impact, which made NCSU the perfect environment for my academic, professional and personal growth.
Jennifer MacLellan
Treasurer, Email: jmmaclel@ncsu.edu
Major: Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Minors: Art & Design and English
I study at NC State because: I study at NC State because the College of Natural Resources offers abundant hands-on experiences for its students. Experience is the best teacher, and as an aspiring wildlife biologist, these opportunities truly illuminate where my interests lie in conservation. Classes such as Dendrology and Applied Ecology have taught me valuable field skills, and I even had the chance to study abroad in Sweden through an endowment from FER. Experiential learning is the key to success in my field, which I feel NC State has overwhelmingly provided me.
Keir Welliver
Email: kwelliv@ncsu.edu
Major: Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Minor: Environmental Education
I study at NC State because: I found my passion for working with wildlife through different volunteer opportunities, and NC State matched my enthusiasm and eagerness to excel in this field. After transferring from a community college, I have been welcomed with open arms into such an amazing tight-knit community that works towards sustainability and coexistence between society and the natural world. I am excited to see how NC State shapes me to become the best version of myself!
Kinley Ferguson
Co-President, Email: kefergu4@ncsu.edu
Major: Natural Resources
I study at NC State because: NC State has so many opportunities. I knew by going to NCSU that I would be exposed to many hands-on opportunities that will allow me to grow personally and professionally; all while challenging me academically. Everyone was so welcoming and kind to me, I knew I found where I belong in CNR.
Meredith Morris
Email: mamorri9@ncsu.edu
Major: Environmental Undeclared
I study at NC State because: I study at NC State because although NC State is a large school there is a close knit community in the College of Natural Resources. Through the CRN I have been able to get involved in various clubs and find new passions. NC State is also committed to student health in many ways and I have always been able to find support on campus when I need it. The many events NC State hosts have made it easy to find friends, explore new interests, and get connected professionally.
Sarah Simmons
Secretary, Email: sasimmo2@ncsu.edu
Major: Environmental Sciences
I study at NC State because: I have been fortunate enough to find a major that encompasses a broad range of subjects and environmental issues to tackle in my future career. While the College of Natural Resources is a smaller college on our campus, the staff, faculty, and students have helped me feel a great sense of belonging, promote a welcoming spirit, and give back to their community in any way possible. When I have reached out for help, they go above and beyond in ways to provide me with the best possible solutions. Also, in the University Honors Program, I have felt at home, and they have allowed me to grow academically, professionally, and personally through their programming. NC State has truly been a blessing in helping me flourish and continue to evolve day by day.