MONTICELLO, Ark. — “Witty,” “excellent dendrologist” and “compassionate” are all words used to describe Mr. Bobby Webb, who announced his retirement after 35 years of dedicated service to the University of Arkansas System. Webb’s retirement will take effect at the end of July, but his impact on the college will continue.
Webb has worked jointly for the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Arkansas Forest Resources Center. In July 1989, Webb was appointed as the Agricultural Experiment Station Research Specialist on UAM’s campus and was promoted to UAM Forest Manager in May 1992. Throughout his tenure, he has managed the campus’s forestland, the forestry school’s research vehicles and equipment, taught dendrology and been a leader to more than 100 student workers.
By Traci Rushing
U of A System Division of Agriculture
UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources
It is not uncommon to find Webb making light conversation with the students throughout the CFANR hallways. Webb considers his greatest accomplishment to be the support he provided to students throughout the years.
“Bobby was an amazing supervisor to work for,” said Jaret Rushing, a former student worker from 2003-2004. “He had the best interest of his workers at heart but also a true passion for forestry.”
Webb’s support extends beyond his students with being regarded highly by his colleagues.
“For 35 years, Bobby has served in an exemplary manner to the University, College, to his colleagues and most of all, to the forests which were under his care,” said Dr. Matthew Pelkki, Professor and Director of the Arkansas Center for Forest Business at UAM. “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.”
“Like all of us, I will greatly miss Bobby,’ said Dr. Michael Blazier, Dean of the CFANR and Director of the AFRC. “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 then make sure 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,” Blazier said.
Webb began his journey at UAM as a student in the forestry program in 1982 and graduated in 1986. While 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 by the Forest Science 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.