GLENVILLE, W.Va. – Students in the Department of Land Resources at Glenville State College (GSC) recently had the opportunity to hear about careers within the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) from a familiar face.

Mitch Queen, a May 2019 Glenville State College graduate, discussed several topics with current students, particularly in relation to his work as a Wildlife Manager with the DNR. Queen earned a degree in Natural Resource Management with a major in Forest Technology from Glenville State.

“The good thing about this career is that every day you’re going to have new challenges, new things to do,” Queen said.

He also shared basic interview tips with the students, talked about the different responsibilities he and his coworkers are tasked with, challenges, and opportunities in the industry.

“We are looking for people with more field time now than ever before,” he said. “That’s a good thing about students from GSC, they are already getting that experience with timber-cutting, safe operation of equipment, and so on.”

Since Fall 2020, Glenville State College students have had the option of pursing a Wildlife Management major within the Natural Resources Management degree among the other five available majors. The Wildlife Management major is designed for students who want to pursue a career in wildlife management or pursue an advanced degree in wildlife. Students are prepared to become wildlife managers or wildlife technicians for government agencies. Students learn about the biology, ecology, and management of important game and non-game wildlife in the Appalachian region.

“The current students really enjoyed hearing Mitch’s presentation and having the opportunity to talk with him afterward. The Land Resources faculty and I appreciate him taking the time to return to his alma mater and, with our Wildlife Management major, we look forward to seeing more students follow in his footsteps,” said Land Resources Department Chair and Professor of Forestry Dr. Rico Gazal.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources aims to provide a comprehensive program for the exploration, conservation, development, protection, enjoyment, and use of the state’s renewable natural resources. The agency has three primary divisions: Wildlife, WV State Parks, and Law Enforcement.

DNR’s Wildlife Resources Section conserves, protects, and manages the state’s fish and wildlife resources for the use and enjoyment of its citizens. The primary objective of the section is to maintain and perpetuate fish and wildlife at levels compatible with the available habitat, while providing diverse opportunities for recreation, research, conservation, and education.

For more information about the programs of the Department of Land Resources at Glenville State College, contact the Department of Land Resources at Land.Resources@glenville.edu or (304) 462-6370.