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The University of Arkansas at Monticello is set to offer a Ph.D. in forest resources in the spring 2026 semester, following recent approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The UAM Board of Trustees approved the program in October 2024, followed by approval of a Role and Scope change by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) Coordinating Board in January 2025, allowing UAM to expand its graduate offerings to include doctoral degrees. The new program will be the first Ph.D. offering at UAM and the first Ph.D. in forest resources degree in the state of Arkansas.

Arkansas has historically relied on out-of-state experts for faculty and research in forestry and natural resources. UAM is the only university in Arkansas with an accredited bachelor’s degree program in forestry and offers the state’s only master’s degree and graduate certificate in forestry. With the introduction of UAM’s new Ph.D. program, the university will provide the state with a comprehensive “ladder” of degrees in forestry and natural resources. Programs include technical certificates and associate degrees from the UAM College of Technology-Crossett (UAM-CTC) and the UAM College of Technology-McGehee (UAM-CTM), bachelor’s degrees, graduate certificates, master’s degrees and now, a doctoral degree from UAM. These educational pathways will allow students to enter programs at various levels and pursue advanced studies and careers in forestry and natural resources within the state.

Dr. Michael Blazier, dean of the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources at UAM and director of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, stated, “This program will be beneficial to professions of forestry and natural resources of Arkansas in numerous ways. Students will receive the highest level of mentoring from our faculty on research, teaching and outreach. Together with the faculty they apprentice with, they’ll bring new levels of innovations in forest management, ecology and economics to Arkansas. Students will graduate with the highest level of knowledge about the forest resources of Arkansas, which they’ll then take with them to educate the next generations of the forestry and natural resources workforce.”

The Ph.D. in forest resources is supported by a strong foundation of existing support at UAM, including 20 faculty members with expertise across multiple forestry and natural resource disciplines. UAM’s existing funding, including approximately $6 million in active grants, research endowments from private donors and a partnership with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will allow the program to offer high-quality education and research opportunities without incurring significant additional costs. These resources ensure the program’s sustainability and effectiveness from the outset.

The new program will offer numerous benefits, including full tuition coverage for doctoral students through apprenticeships, with their stipends funded by research grants and university endowments. Graduates are expected to earn starting salaries from $67,000 to $144,000, providing a substantial return on investment. The state of Arkansas will also obtain a return on investment from innovations developed from research and career earnings of graduates. Additionally, the program will enhance the productivity of local faculty and scientists, strengthening the state’s workforce and fostering a national network of UAM-trained professionals.

UAM is home to several important forestry-related centers, including the Arkansas Center for Forest Business and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center. The new Ph.D. program will integrate with these existing initiatives and benefit from the upcoming Arkansas Forest Health Research Center, under construction on UAM’s campus, to be completed by the summer of 2026. This new facility will offer Ph.D. students cutting-edge research opportunities, further solidifying UAM’s leadership in forestry education and research.

Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, noted the importance of the new program and new center, stating, “This is not just a new program of study and a new facility. These developments represent a true beginning of a transformative chapter for both the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the entire state of Arkansas. As the first program of its kind in the state, it addresses the growing workforce and research needs of the forestry industry. It provides groundbreaking opportunities in forestry research, particularly through the new Arkansas Forest Health Research Center. This program is a critical step in meeting the state’s workforce development goals, equipping students with advanced skills and knowledge to lead in the forestry sector. It also reflects UAM’s commitment to creating multiple pathways for students, enabling them to enter, advance and succeed at every level of their academic and professional journeys, while making meaningful contributions to their communities and the forestry industry. The new center will play a vital role in the success of the Ph.D. program by offering cutting-edge research facilities and fostering a collaborative environment for students to thrive in their studies and contribute to innovations in forest health and sustainability.”

For more information about the new Ph.D. in forest resources, contact Dr. Michael Blazier at blazier@uamont.edu or 870-460-1152.