Forest Resources Center associate director receives Forestry Educator Award
By Emily Thompson
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Jan. 18, 2019
Fast Facts:
- Matthew Pelkki received the Forestry Educator Award
- The award was given by the Ouachita Society of American Foresters
- Award recognizes excellence in teaching
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MONITCELLO, Ark. – Matthew Pelkki, associate director of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Forest Resources Center, has received the Forest Educator Award from the Ouachita Society of American Foresters.
The award was announced at the society’s annual meeting Dec. 6. However, Pelkki did not find out he received the award until the day after. Pelkki was unable to attend because he was helping a group of students who were having difficulty completing an assignment.
“I would have really enjoyed the meeting and sharing my achievement with my colleagues and former students, but I wanted to make sure all my current students had the help they needed to pass my course. I’m proud to say that they worked really hard and all earned a passing grade,” said Pelkki, who is also a professor and the George H. Clippart Endowed Chair at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Pelkki said that the award brought him a sense of relief, because it meant that what he teaches in the classroom and out in the field is helpful to his students once they enter the workforce.
“When colleagues and peers, and especially former students honor you for teaching, there is a great sense of joy, and even some relief,” Pelkki said. “Forestry students rarely feel that economics is their favorite subject – so I was relieved that what you taught them has been useful to them in their careers.”
For more information about the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Forest Resources Center visit, http://www.afrc.uamont.edu/.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact 479-575-4607 as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu