Intro by King Musa
"Yo, what it is? You know what it is. It's your man, King Musa! Welcome to The CheatSheet, the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners. I’m your host, King Musa, and today we’re branching out into forestry and environmental conservation with a leader shaping the future of forest education.
Joining us today is Dr. Hans Williams, Dean of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University. Dr. Williams brings a wealth of knowledge in forestry and conservation, and we’re excited to learn about his career journey and the innovative work happening at the College of Forestry. Let’s dive in!"
Getting to Know Dr. Williams
King Musa: "Dr. Williams, welcome to The CheatSheet! Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at SFA?"
Dr. Williams: "Thank you, King Musa. I’m Hans Williams, Dean of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at SFA. I’ve been here since 1993, starting as an assistant professor before becoming Dean about seven or eight years ago. My job involves providing resources and opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to succeed while elevating our college’s impact on forestry education and research."
Personal Background and Passions
KM: "Where are you from, and how did your journey into forestry begin?"
Dr. Williams: "I’m originally from Indiana and grew up near Fort Wayne. My mom, who was from Germany, and my dad didn’t attend college, but their support allowed me to pursue my passion. My interest in forestry began with Boy Scouts and was solidified during a summer in Germany working with a local forester. That experience ignited my passion for managing forest lands."
KM: "Outside of your work in forestry, what are your hobbies and passions?"
Dr. Williams: "I enjoy fishing, hunting, and working on my 1953 Willys Overland pickup. Spending time with my family, including my kids and grandchildren, is also a big part of my life. After I retire, I plan to dedicate more time to fishing."
Career Journey and Leadership
KM: "What led you to SFA, and how did your career progress from professor to dean?"
Dr. Williams: "After earning degrees in forestry from Purdue, Clemson, and Auburn, I worked briefly for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before joining SFA in 1993 as an assistant professor. I moved into administration as associate dean and later became interim dean when my predecessor became provost. Eventually, I applied for the permanent dean position and have been leading the college since."
KM: "What challenges do deans face, and how would you describe your leadership style?"
Dr. Williams: "Finding resources is one of the biggest challenges, as budgets are always tight. My leadership style is open-door and accessible. I encourage faculty and staff to share concerns and ideas directly, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment."
Forestry Education and Innovations
KM: "What are some key initiatives and opportunities happening in the College of Forestry?"
Dr. Williams:
- Teaching Excellence: "Our college is known for producing highly skilled professionals in forestry, environmental science, agriculture, and geospatial science. Our students are in demand nationwide."
- Research Expansion: "We’re increasing our research footprint, hiring postdocs, and solving regional and global problems in forest resource management."
- Community Engagement: "We aim to be a go-to resource for forestry information and services, helping citizens of Texas and beyond."
Advice for Students
KM: "What advice would you give to students pursuing forestry or natural resource careers?"
Dr. Williams:
- Engage Fully: "Go to class, turn in assignments, and get involved in professional organizations."
- Embrace Leadership: "Step into leadership roles and don’t be afraid to make decisions or take on challenges."
- Seek Help Early: "Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re struggling. Faculty are here to support you."
Outro by King Musa
"Dr. Williams, thank you for sharing your incredible journey and insights. Your dedication to forestry education and conservation is inspiring.
To our listeners, remember: Success grows from curiosity and dedication to making the world a better place. Stay tuned for more episodes of The CheatSheet, where we decode success and help you stay rooted in your passions. This is your man, King Musa, signing off. Keep learning, exploring, and cultivating your dreams. Peace!"
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