Keith Belli to lead the University of Tennessee’s Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries programs
(KNOXVILLE , Tenn. ) -- Dr. Keith Belli is the new professor and head of the Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He leads one of the largest units in the university's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, one of four units in the statewide UT Institute of Agriculture.
Prior to his appointment with UT, Belli worked at Mississippi State University for 18 years, most recently as associate dean of the College of Forest Resources, associate director of the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, and interim head of the Department of Forest Products.
Belli, whose name is pronounced bell-eye, holds a bachelor’s in forest science from Pennsylvania State University, a master’s in silviculture from Michigan State University, and a doctorate in forest biometrics from the University of Minnesota.
"Dr. Belli was an outstanding candidate for the position, from his leadership skills, his experience base, and his enthusiasm. We look forward to his leadership as department head," said search committee chair, Dr. Neil Rhodes, head of the Department of Plant Sciences with the University of Tennessee.
"I’m impressed with the quality and enthusiasm of the faculty, staff, and students here at UT," Belli said. "I look forward this summer to meeting with our many supporters and preparing for the upcoming academic year."
The department he leads supports undergraduate and graduate programs of study in natural resources, forestry, wildlife, fisheries, forest products, and the environment. Its mission is to "advance the science, management, and appreciation of natural resources in Tennessee, the region, and beyond through programs in research, teaching, and extension. Our vision is to be a premier natural resource program in the country."
Contact: Margot Emery, (865) 974-7141
