Colorado State University selects University of Florida's John Hayes as dean of Warner College of Natural Resources effective June 1; Hayes' academic background focuses on applied ecology, primarily related to wildlife ecology and forest science

Wendy Lisney

FORT COLLINS, Colorado , March 5, 2014 (press release) – John P. Hayes, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Dean for Research and director of the Florida Agricultural Station in Gainesville, has been selected as the new dean of the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University.

Premier programs in the country

“The Warner College is one of the premier programs of its kind in the country and is integral to CSU’s role as an education and research leader in environmental science,” said CSU President Tony Frank. “The College has been fortunate to have outstanding leadership from Dean Joyce Berry for many years – she has been a passionate advocate for our students and a tireless leader for the College and the University. With her retirement, we believe that Dr. Hayes is the right person to build on that success and help define a bright future for our programs going forward. We are delighted to welcome him to CSU.”

Hayes will assume his new position on June 1. He will be replacing WCNR Dean Joyce Berry, who has served as Dean from 2004-2006 and returned to the position in 2009; the University had initiated a nationwide search to fill the position.

Hayes earned his Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology from Cornell University, his M.S. in biology from Southern Oregon State College, and his undergraduate degree in wildlife science from Oregon State University. While at the University of Florida, he also chaired the department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and served as director of the Ordway-Swisher Biological Station, as well as teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level. He also served at the associate dean for international programs at Oregon State, in the College of Forestry.

Background in applied ecology

Hayes’ scholarly background has focused on applied ecology, primarily related to wildlife ecology and forest science. He has co-edited two books and authored or co-authored numerous technical, semi-technical and popular articles and reports in the field.

Among the initiatives Hayes advanced at the University of Florida was development of the Florida Climate Institute, as well as two interdisciplinary clusters.

“John’s extensive experience building and supporting interdisciplinary programs aligns with the direction not only of Warner College but of Colorado State as a university,” said Provost Rick Miranda. “His efforts to work with a variety of institutions to build collaborative programs and increase enrollment of under-represented students in conservation science programs and build a pathway to increase diversity of conservation professionals and leaders supports our land-grant mission as well.”

The Warner College of Natural Resources

The most comprehensive natural resources college in the nation, Warner College offers majors in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability; Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology; Forestry; Geology; Human Dimensions of Natural Resources; Natural Resources Management; Rangeland Ecology, and Watershed Sciences. More than 500 researchers and faculty are working on diverse issue in ecosystems in 75 countries around the world.

Warner is one of the eight Colleges that make up Colorado State University, the state’s land-grant university.

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