Michael Blazier

Michael Blazier serves as Dean of the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and Director of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, assuming duties July 1, 2021. Previously, he held an 18-year professorship and forestry project leadership role at LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station.

Educational background:

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry from Louisiana Tech University
• Master's degree in Forestry from Oklahoma State University
• Ph.D. in Forestry from Oklahoma State University

His research specializes in sustainable forest systems, including forest plantation management integrating tree-cattle/row crop production, and ecological restoration of bottomland hardwoods and pine ecosystems (longleaf/shortleaf). Work emphasizes practical applications for forest health, climate adaptation, watershed protection, and wildlife habitat conservation directly benefiting landowners and practitioners.

Blazier will oversee statewide grant writing through the Arkansas Forest Resources Center and lead initiatives like the waterfowl habitat laboratory partnership with Five Oaks Ag Research Center, launching a graduate certificate in waterfowl habitat management. His operational experience includes managing 500 acres of timberland and a 300-head cattle herd at LSU's research station.

The Arkansas Forest Resources Center maintains faculty across Monticello, Little Rock, Fayetteville, Hope, Pine Tree, and Batesville, focusing on collaborative projects in forest health, climate resilience, and ecosystem conservation. The College offers SAF-accredited forestry programs and multiple degrees in natural resources, agriculture, and land surveying.