Linda Nagel Excited in New Role as Dean of Quinney College of Natural Resources

Linda Nagel took the helm as dean of the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources this month, launching her new leadership role at Utah State University.

“I’m especially pleased to have landed here at USU,” Nagel said. “From recreation to gardens, many Utahns seem to have an inherent consciousness about the natural world at the heart of how they live and interact with their surroundings.”

Nagel has 22 years of experience as a university professor, holding positions at CSU, the University of Minnesota and Michigan Technological University. She comes to USU after seven years as professor and head in the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University.

“I am both honored and excited to take on this new role, especially because of the community I’m joining,” she said. “The people who choose to work in natural resources have a passion for the environment and a desire to make a difference in the world. The faculty here are leaders in innovative and interdisciplinary programs designed to address some of the most complex environmental challenges across the West.”

In her first few months as dean, Nagel hopes to get to know the faculty and staff, to learn about their goals, to understand the work that is already being done and to get to know the students.

“QCNR is exceptional at providing hands-on opportunities for students. I look forward to supporting that experiential learning and empowering faculty and staff to continue the great work they do.”

She also looks forward to finding new and innovative ways to bring people together to collaborate on cross-cutting themes and issues focusing on land, water and air, and continuing work towards goals of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.

The S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources works to better understand natural ecosystems in Utah and beyond, and to foster sustainable use of these resources. The College traverses biological, physical, and socioeconomic boundaries to advance scientific knowledge, train future leaders, and translate new research into on-the-ground management.