Celebrating the Legacy of Bobby Webb
July 22, 2024
By Traci Rushing
U of A System Division of Agriculture
UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Fast Facts:
- Webb a long-time advocate for forest, students
- Retirement comes after 35 years of service
(512 words)
(Newsrooms: Download photo of Webb)
MONTICELLO, Ark. — “Witty,” “excellent dendrologist” and “compassionate” are all words used to describe Mr. Bobby Webb, who announced his retirement after 35 years of dedicated service to the University of Arkansas System. Webb’s retirement will take effect at the end of July, but his impact on the college will continue.
Webb has worked jointly for the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Arkansas Forest Resources Center. In July 1989, Webb was appointed as the Agricultural Experiment Station Research Specialist on UAM’s campus and was promoted to UAM Forest Manager in May 1992. Throughout his tenure, he has managed the campus’s forestland, the forestry school’s research vehicles and equipment, taught dendrology and been a leader to more than 100 student workers.
It is not uncommon to find Webb making light conversation with the students throughout the CFANR hallways. Webb considers his greatest accomplishment to be the support he provided to students throughout the years.
“Bobby was an amazing supervisor to work for,” said Jaret Rushing, a former student worker from 2003-2004. “He had the best interest of his workers at heart but also a true passion for forestry.”
Webb’s support extends beyond his students with being regarded highly by his colleagues.
“For 35 years, Bobby has served in an exemplary manner to the University, College, to his colleagues and most of all, to the forests which were under his care,” said Dr. Matthew Pelkki, Professor and Director of the Arkansas Center for Forest Business at UAM. “His kindness, willingness to help, and sage advice in forestry matters will be greatly missed by everyone. I am privileged to call Bobby a colleague and friend.”
“Like all of us, I will greatly miss Bobby,’ said Dr. Michael Blazier, Dean of the CFANR and Director of the AFRC. “He has always taken great care of our forests, research resources, and most of all our students. It is a testament to his character that his primary motivation for his final months at UAM was to stay on long enough to see his student workers graduate then make sure our forests and equipment are in the best shape possible for the next person in his position.
“He leaves big shoes to fill, and I consider myself fortunate to have worked with him,” Blazier said.
Webb began his journey at UAM as a student in the forestry program in 1982 and graduated in 1986. While a student, he was actively involved with the UAM Forestry Club where he made lasting connections and lifelong friends. Webb continued his education by attending Texas A&M University to receive a Master of Science in Forestry in 1988. At his graduation, he was awarded the outstanding graduate student by the Forest Science Department.
As Webb embarks on a new chapter in his life, the UAM community extends its deepest gratitude for his remarkable contributions and wishes him a fulfilling retirement. He will be missed in our halls, but his stories and compassion towards our students will not be forgotten.
About the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center
The College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, a University of Arkansas System Center of Excellence, brings together interdisciplinary expertise through a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The College and Center are headquartered at the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus, but their programs range statewide with the mission of developing and delivering teaching, research, and extension programs that enhance and ensure the sustainability and productivity of forest-based natural resources and agricultural systems. Academic programs are delivered by the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources through the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, research is administered by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and extension and outreach activities are coordinated by the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
The University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offer all of their programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.
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 twenty entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all seventy-five counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact:
Traci Rushing
trushing@uada.edu
870-460-1852