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Witty, excellent dendrologist and compassionate are all words used to describe Bobby Webb, university forest manager at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, announced his retirement after 35 years of dedicated service to the University of Arkansas Systems. Webb’s retirement will take effect at the end of July, but the impact he had on the college will continue.  

Webb has worked jointly for the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources (CFANR) at UAM and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center (AFRC) of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. In July 1989, Webb was appointed as the agricultural experiment station research specialist on UAM’s campus and was promoted to university forest manager at UAM in May of 1992.

Throughout his tenure, he has managed the campus’s forestland, overseen the forestry school’s research vehicles and equipment, taught dendrology and served as a leader to over 100 student workers.

It is not uncommon to find Webb conversing with the students throughout the CFANR hallways. Webb considers his greatest accomplishment to be the support he was able to provide various students throughout the years. Former student worker Jaret Rushing (2003-2004) shared, “Bobby was an amazing supervisor to work for. He had the best interest of his workers at heart, but also a true passion for forestry.”  

Webb’s support extends beyond his students, and he is regarded highly by his colleagues. Dr. Matthew Pelkki, director of the Arkansas Center for Forest Business and professor for the CFANR at UAM, stated, “For 35 years, Bobby has served in an exemplary manner to the university, his colleagues and most of all, the forests which were under his care. His kindness, willingness to help and sage advice in forestry matters will be greatly missed by everyone. I am privileged to call Bobby a colleague and friend.”   

Expanding on these sentiments, Dr. Michael Blazier, dean of the CFANR and director of the AFRC, stated, “Like all of us, I will greatly miss Bobby. He has always taken great care of our forests, research resources, and most of all, our students. It is a testament to his character that his primary motivation for his final months at UAM was to stay on long enough to see his student workers graduate and ensure our forests and equipment are in the best shape possible for the next person in his position. He leaves big shoes to fill, and I consider myself fortunate to have worked with him.” 

Webb began his journey at UAM as a student in the forestry program in 1982 and graduated in 1986. During his time as a student, he was actively involved with the UAM Forestry Club where he made lasting connections and lifelong friends. Webb continued his education by attending Texas A&M University to receive a Master of Science in Forestry in 1988. At his graduation, he was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Student Award by department. 

As Webb embarks on a new chapter in his life, the UAM community extends its deepest gratitude for his remarkable contributions and wishes him a fulfilling retirement. He will be missed in our halls, but his stories and compassion towards our students will not be forgotten.