Dr. Hans Williams (pictured), dean of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, and William Alders, SFA forestry alumnus, were recognized for their leadership and service to the forestry profession by the Texas chapter of the Society of American Foresters. Williams and Alders received the Laurence C. Walker Distinguished Service to Forestry Award and the SFA Student of the Year Award, respectively.
“I am humbled and honored to be recognized by Texas SAF for service to the forestry profession,” Williams said. “The excellent national reputation of our forestry program is due in large part to Dr. Larry Walker’s visionary leadership and exemplary record of service to the profession and Texas.”
Walker served as the first dean of SFA’s School of Forestry, and his contributions to the profession are nationally recognized. This annual award recognizes forestry professionals who display continuing service and leadership in the Society of American Foresters, professional achievement in the field of forestry, and service to the local or regional community.
Additionally, William Alders received the Student of the Year Award, recognizing his service and academic achievements. Alders graduated in December 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from SFA, but he was previously unable to receive the award due to restrictions triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Texas Society of American Foresters is one of 30 state and multistate societies that comprise the Society of American Foresters, an organization of professional foresters dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of forestry.
