The Mississippi State University student chapter of the Society of American Foresters has recently won first place for the sixth consecutive year in the SAF Student Chapter website competition. It were also chosen as the third Most Outstanding Student Chapter.
Karen Brasher, publications editor for the College of Forest Resources, said the award-winning website was designed and is maintained by members of the club. The criteria for judging the websites included design, content and many other aspects.
For the Most Outstanding Student Chapter award, a packet of papers is sent to each national chapter. The group fills out the papers listing each event in which they have been involved. The winner of the Most Outstanding Student Chapter award is then determined based on the groups’ service activities, the speakers they host at their meetings and their overall outreach, Brasher said.
“The students have done an excellent job of promoting the forestry profession among students at Mississippi State,” Brasher said.
MSU’s student chapter of the SAF has maintained a top three ranking in the list of Most Outstanding Student Chapters over the past decade.
Founded in 1900, the SAF is the largest professional organization for foresters. The  student chapters allow college students to have a voice in this 18,000-member organization before they enter the work force.
Kathryn Buckley, president of the SAF Student Chapter for 32009-10 year, said the purpose of the organization is to promote professionalism among students and to help students gain social experience with professional foresters.
Students enrolled in the College of Forest Resources are eligible and encouraged to become a member of the student chapter of the SAF.
Robert Grala, SAF Student Chapter faculty adviser, said the Forestry Club and the MSU SAF Student Chapter merged in 2001 and have since achieved many honors. The group is very active on campus and in the community.
“The Mississippi State SAF Student Chapter is very committed to promoting forestry and participates in numerous activities within the College of Forest Resources and Mississippi State University,” Grala said. “Their dedication has been recognized by the Society of American Foresters many times and we are very proud of their achievements.”
Benefits of being a member include networking opportunities, access to technical expertise, the chance to win national awards and representation in the professional forestry organization, all while learning important leadership skills.
Robert Milner, sergeant of arms for the SAF Student Chapter, said the club is a great way to prepare for the future.
“The Forestry Club is a great opportunity to meet potential employers through guest speakers and to also meet other students in this major who share common ideals,” Milner said.