W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation
The W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation was one of the first forestry programs in the nation and celebrated its centennial in 2013. The College has ten degree programs and three departments: Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, Forest Management, and Society and Conservation.
Points of Pride
- UM is one of the two most prominent universities in the world in fire management.
- The College provides access to two field stations within an hour of the university: Lubrecht Experimental Forest and Bandy Ranch.
- Regents Professor of Ecology Steve Running won the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize for climate change research. An interdisciplinary minor in climate change was added in 2010.
- 97% of Franke College graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school upon completion of their degree.
- The Franke College houses many research centers, institutes and programs, including the Montana Climate Office, the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Grizzly Bear Recovery Program.
UM Foundation Support
- Each year the Franke College awards over $350,000 in scholarships to students.
- The Native American Natural Resource Program in the Franke College is entirely funded by private philanthropy. Gifts to the NANRP support resources for Native American students, such as tutoring, advising, professional development, scholarships and emergency funding.
- The College has four endowed chairs in the Wildlife Biology department: the Boone and Crockett Professor of Wildlife Conservation, the John J. Craighead Chair Professor of Wildlife Biology, the Ringleman Chair in Waterfowl Conservation and the Siebel-Lewis Chair in Fisheries Biology.
Treasure Montana: Cultivating Our Tomorrow
The W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation seeks to generate philanthropic support for a new landmark facility that will serve as the state’s hub for environment and conservation. Your donation to the UM Foundation supports construction of a new building that will provide best-in-class facilities for research and innovation, premier student and faculty collaboration experience, and a critical gathering space for communities that extend well beyond campus — all within a structure featuring leading sustainable design and practices.
Learn more and donate at TreasureMontana.org.
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