Oregon State University's first-ever Natural Resources Leadership Academy (NRLA) is scheduled for June, and it will deliver diverse instruction in the areas of conflict management, communication, sustainable natural resources and leadership.

Corvallis, OR (PRWEB) February 24, 2012

Oregon State University, recognized nationally for its work in natural resources, is extending the expertise of its faculty this summer to professionals and graduate students in the field for a pair of weeklong leadership seminars.

(More information is available online at http://outreach.oregonstate.edu/nrla.)

OSU's first-ever Natural Resources Leadership Academy (NRLA) is scheduled for June 18-22 and June 25-29 on the university's Corvallis campus, and it will deliver diverse instruction in the areas of conflict management, communication, sustainable natural resources and leadership.

Pre-register online today at http://bit.ly/x3LfXX.

The academy, offered by OSU's Division of University Outreach and Engagement, will draw on the instruction of 10 OSU faculty members and do so in an interactive manner that allows participants to not only build knowledge but also network with others in their field.

“One of the unique components of the NRLA is to provide an integrated approach to natural resources management,” said Lynette de Silva, the academy director in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS). “This includes combining courses to offer a joint field trip, providing opportunities to bring knowledge together across disciplines, and honing effective techniques to communicate, listen and think creatively to address today's natural resources challenges.”

The NRLA is designed for natural resources practitioners who work for state and federal agencies, NGOs, environmental firms, watershed councils and schools, as well as graduate students.

Among the courses offered this summer is Water Governance and Conflict Management, which OSU has offered for several years as a one-week summer course and has drawn professionals from as far away as Norway and Uzbekistan.

The idea for the academy arose in part from the realization that people who travel to study under Oregon State's renowned natural resources faculty would prefer to stay longer and study more.

“OSU is a leader in precisely the areas that we're offering, and people know it,” said professor Aaron T. Wolf, who earned his Ph.D. in policy analysis and conflict resolution. “Besides the individual instructors teaching the courses, the idea of coming together as a group where you're able to meet folks who are facing similar issues is a really good opportunity.

“And let's face it: There are way worse places to be than Corvallis in the summer.”

Participants who sign up for the NRLA can enroll in one or both of the one-week sessions, and they will receive either university graduate credit or a certificate of completion. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) can also be provided.

“This academy will help build a community atmosphere centered around natural resources on campus,” de Silva said. “This approach also allows participants to take advanced educational courses in a condensed timeframe while continuing with their careers and family commitments.”

NRLA course descriptions and faculty member bios are available online at http://bit.ly/yLkL8s.

About OSU Outreach and Engagement: The Division of University Outreach and Engagement connects Oregon State University, the state's only land-grant university, to the rest of the world by making its educational programs accessible wherever and whenever people need to learn. The division encompasses OSU Extended Campus, OSU Extension Service and OSU Professional and Noncredit Education.

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