Charles E. "Eddie" Thaggard has made a huge impact on the forest products industry throughout his career. General manager of Hood Industries’ plywood operations, he is a 1983 petroleum engineering graduate who went on to earn a master’s degree in wood science and technology in 1987. He has developed computer models to optimize profits, better utilize timber resources and decrease transportation costs. A true conservationist, Eddie has initiated procedures to eliminate wastes and use timber resources in a sustainable manner, all while increasing profits for his employers. Eddie has always strived for excellence, not only for the company, but for the individuals with which he worked. He successfully led a safety campaign that turned a plant with the highest OSHA Recordable injury rate in the division into one that received numerous safety awards.

James H. "Jim" Tidwell of Frankfort, Ky., is the 2008 Alumnus of the Year for the College of Forest Resources. A 1987 doctoral graduate in aquaculture, wildlife and fisheries, he is aquaculture division chair at Kentucky State University’s Aquaculture Research Center. Tidwell received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a master’s from Samford University. As coordinator for aquaculture programs, Tidwell is responsible for oversight of all aquaculture programs (research, extension and education) at KSU. This includes coordination of schedules, allocation of physical resources, and maintenance and operations of the Aquaculture Research Center (ARC).

Charlie W. Morgan of Jackson is the College of Forest Resources 2007 Alumnus of the Year. A 1973 forestry graduate and former manager with International Paper Co, he was named to the State Forestry Commission leadership post in 2006. Under Morgan’s leadership, the commission began reorganizing during Fiscal Year 2006. As a result, the commission has taken a business management approach to agency operations.

Tim Rials is the 2006 College of Forest Resources Alumnus of the Year. Rials is professor and director of the Tennessee Forest Products Center, a component of the University of Tennessee. Rials received his bachelor of science in forestry from Mississippi State University in 1980. He received his master’s and doctoral degrees in wood science and technology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Ruth Cook is the College of Forest Resources Alumna of the Year. Cook received her B.S. degree in forestry in 1982. She is the director of strategic planning for the Philadelphia-based Molpus Timberlands Management, LLC. Cook has previously served as the CFR Alumni Association president and been very active in supporting the college and MSU. Cook is a registered forester in Mississippi and Alabama, a certified professional logging manager and an active member of the Society of American Foresters. She is also a member of the Mississippi and Louisiana Forestry Association.

Jim Tisdale has been named 2004 College of Forest Resources Alumnus of the Year. This alumni honor recognizes the achievements of outstanding alumni whose personal lives, professional accomplishments and community service best exemplify the Tisdale named CFR Alumnus of the Year mission of Mississippi State University. Tisdale recently retired after 41 years of service with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including 18 years as manager of the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. He received his undergraduate degree in forestry and his master’s degree in wildlife management from Mississippi State University. Tisdale’s accomplishments for the refuge include helping start the Larry Box Environmental Educational Center with the Starkville School District and constructing a new $2 million Refuge Office and Visitor Center on the banks of Bluff Lake. He also helped bring the endangered red cockaded woodpecker up from 16 colonies to 45 colonies. Tisdale graduated in 1963.

Oktibbeha County native Adrian M. Blocker is the College of Forest Resources Alumnus of the Year at Mississippi State University. Blocker, who holds three MSU degrees, is the Savannah, Ga.-based director of strategic planning for International Paper Co. Blocker received bachelor’s degrees in forestry and general business administration in 1979 and a master’s in business administration in 1981.

Brian T. Gray of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is presented the College of Forest Resources Alumnus of the Year award by CFR dean Sam Foster. Director of conservation programs and information systems for Ducks Unlimited Canada, he earned a doctorate in 1992 in wildlife ecology. The annual awards program is sponsored by the MSU Alumni Association to honor graduates who are recognized leaders in their fields of endeavor. Gray joined DUC’s headquarters in Stonewall in 1996 after working for a number of years as a wildlife scientist at Alberta-based Golder Associates.

Curtis "Skip" McCollough, a 1979 graduate of the College of Forest Resources, has been named 2001 CFR Alumnus of the Year. McCollough is president and owner of South Mississippi Forest Products of Mississippi Inc. which offers a variety of services to the timber industry. He also is president of Southern Timber Resources of Louisiana Inc. At MSU, he earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry in 1979 with a minor in wildlife management. While building both companies to the level they are today, Skip also has taken time to mentor MSU forestry students and has several students co-op with his firms. In addition, he has hired CFR graduates as full-time employees with both of these companies. "I feel that I attended the greatest College of Forest Resources in the country," he said. In 1998, McCollough and his wife Julie established the Mississippi Forest Products Annual Scholarship in the CFR. Each year, the McColloughs’ contribution covers the full cost of tuition and fees for two students enrolled in any department on the college. McCollough said that for his family MSU not only is a tradition - daughter Stephanie is enrolled - but also a way to a wonderful life. When asked about being named CFR Alumnus of the Year, Skip said, "To receive such a tremendous honor has been one of the high points of my life. Never in my wildest imagination would I have ever dreamed of being named CFR Alumnus of the Year."

Jeff K. Easterling of New Orleans, La. received a bachelor’s degree in wood science and technology and business administration from MSU in 1980. The Huntsville, Ark., native is vice president of marketing for Southern Forest Products Association in Kenner, La.

Tony Parks of Clinton.

Kenneth Stewart of Atlanta.

Steven A. Corbitt of Jackson received his bachelor’s degree in forest resources from Mississippi State in 1976, is executive vice president of the Mississippi Forestry Association.

Thomas R. Terfehr of Stamford, Conn., vice president of materials at Champion International, School of Forest Resources. Terfehr received a master’s degree in forest economics in 1975.

Dr. Billy Teels of Manassas, Va., a 1975 doctoral graduate and national biologist for the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service.

Chief of Operation Division, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers’ Mobile District.

Tennessee Division of Forestry.